Mill Pond Center for the Arts

When you visit the Mill Pond Center for the Arts, you can't help but to be drawn in by its historic buildings and gorgeous surroundings. But if you look a little deeper, you'll see that there's so much more beneath the surface. No matter when you may drop by, there always seems to be something going on at the Mill Pond Center. And whether it's a concert under the stars in the Meadow, a theatrical production in our beautifully rustic theatre, an art show opening, the screening of a film classic, seasonal parties, a Renaissance Faire, one of our wide array of classes and summer camps, or any other number of events, we seem to hear the same thing, especially from first-timers..."This was great...what a beautiful place...we'll be back."

You'll notice that our mission is "to build and strengthen community through the arts, through excellence in outreach and access to education." Through work, both as host an facilitator, with local organizations and educators such as the Artist In Reach (AIR) program, the UNH Work Study and Student Intern programs, Moharimet Elementary School, Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers (ORPP), Swift Water Girl Scout Council, Growing Places and our own classes and summer camps, we are doing our best to make the arts, education and the environment accessible to everyone, from adults to toddlers, in Durham and the surrounding area.

When it comes to education, the Mill Pond has always taken pride in the quality and diversity of its classes and summer camps, and over the past few years the schedules have grown by leaps and bounds. From the arts to environmental discovery, from physical fitness to etiquette, and everything in between, there's something for everyone at the Mill Pond Center.

Anyone who is familiar with the Mill Pond Center's history surely knows about its celebrated past when it comes to theatre. But you may not know about the high caliber of theatrical productions that have been offered at the MPCA in the past couple of years. With the help of groups like Rochester's Touring Actor Company, the New England Shakespeare Festival, the Fleet Street Theatre Company and our new resident theatre company, Jukwaa Mazoa, the Mill Pond continues in the footsteps of its distinguished predecessors, presenting classics old and new, such as William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning "Fences," Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," James McLure's critically lauded "1959 Pink Thunderbird," and for the children, "Charlotte's Web" and "Beauty and the Beast." If you aren't familiar with the resurgence of theatre at the Mill Pond, do yourself a favor and check it out.

From classes and sing-alongs for children to outdoor concerts for 300 people, music is a major part of what the Mill Pond does. Over the past year or so, we have played host to brilliant musicians and songwriter from all over the region, country and world, from established greats like folk-blues giant David Bromberg and Canadian folk music legend Garnet Rogers to up-and-coming stars such as Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and the Mammals, and a number of regional favorites, including Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen, the Beatles tribute band All Together Now, and Truffle. Our "Music In the Meadow" summer concert series continued in 2007, kicking off with a jaw-dropping performance by Amsterdam's Robin Nolan Trio and New Hampshire's own Ameranouche. Robin Nolan has garnered worldwide acclaim for his virtuosic playing, including being counted among the late George Harrison's favorite guitarists. The Gypsy Jazz trio Ameranouche, who also performed in the Mill Pond's 1915 Roberts Barn as part of our “Evening of Art and Music” event, has not only become a burgeoning force throughout the region, but has recently captured national attention with the inclusion of three of their songs in a major motion picture.

Throughout the summer, as well as the rest of the year, in the Meadow or in the theatre, we have been treated to one terrific performance after another. The MPCA continues in its quest to bring new and exciting music to the area, and to offer the finest in jazz, folk, classical, rock 'n' roll, blues, Celtic, gospel, pop, traditional and World Music.

We hope that you have had a chance to take in both the quality and diversity of the art that we are pleased to bring to the Mill Pond Center. Over the past couple of years, the Mill Pond has featured such works as the plein art paintings of Joann Portalupi and Peggy Murray, the oil paintings of Stan Moeller and Fulbright scholar Brett Gamache, the raku clay pieces of Jane Kaufman and ceramics of Laura Moon, the woodworking of George Beland, Cindy Sexton-Lewis's collages, watercolors by Jesse Comeau and Ethel Hills, the fiber art of Judy Marble, glass art jewelry by Zivile Navikataile and Richard Lord and Courtney Bent's photography, to name a few. We also served as the host for the New Hampshire Pastel Society's inaugural show. Many of our shows have reflected the beauty of Durham and the Seacoast area, including the recent "Durham By the River" and last summer's "Oyster River Arts Festival."

So the next time you are walking around admiring the historic Smith Tavern Main House, built in 1686 and the 1915 Roberts Barn, or taking in the beauty of the Mill Pond grounds, remember that this is simply a stunning backdrop fo education, fun and so much more.

Please consider becoming a member today. Thanks for supporting the Mill Pond Center for the Arts.