Woven Conversations

Learn about the long tradition of exceptional craftsmanship, art and industry in Central Maine and beyond.

Woven Conversations is an ongoing series of talks that weaves together contemporary creative practice with the rich history of the mill. Each event invites artists, makers, and thinkers to explore how place, labor, memory, and material shape their work—offering space for reflection, dialogue, and connection within a site rooted in making.

Past programs include interviews with:

– Mike Rancourt of Rancourt & Co discussing the creation of the footwear worn by Team USA at the Olympics

– Peter Geiger of Farmers’ Almanac and Geiger, discussing the history and making of the beloved publication

– Ebenezer Akakpo of Akakpo Design Group explaining his unique jewelry inspired by his native Ghana and his adopted home of Maine

– Chef Cherie Scott sharing her stories of growing up and the inspiration behind the Mumbai to Maine line of chutneys and simmer sauces

For more information, email info@mainemill.com or call 207-333-3881

A Closer Look: Landscape & Built Environments

Tuesday, October 14, 5:30pm

Bring your voice to a conversation about the built environment of Lewiston and Auburn facilitated by Joe Hall, Associate Professor of History at Bates College. Focusing on the industrial architecture of the Bates Mill and nearby downtown of Lewiston, we’ll delve into what meanings we can read in the architecture and design of this industrial and urban space of the 1800s and 1900s. We’ll also consider what those designs might have meant for people living in our area. Participants will be encouraged to share their personal insight as we explore these themes and learn from each other’s perspectives. 

Free to attend – register here. This conversation is part of a pilot series in partnership with Maine Humanities Council that will help MHC develop future community history offerings.

Braiding Circle / Workshop with Verónica Pérez

Saturday, October 18, 11:30am

Braiding circles are community-built workshops featuring hair-like materials and audio that ruminate on themes such as fractured identity, representation, and power and how these intimate stories can comment on more significant systemic issues that affect Black, Brown and Indigenous peoples in communities in Maine and beyond. The workshops focus on braiding a three-strand braid from hair-like textiles and fabrics while conversing about identity and connection. All are welcome. 

This program is free and made possible by the Onion Foundation.