A neoclassical brick school, located in the heart of Rockland, our building has long been home to a rich legacy of institutions and community organizations since its construction in 1868. The Watershed School, Rockland High School alumni association, and various other arts and educational tenants have all been housed within its venerable walls.

1923–1925 additions and renovations added outer wings to the school, which continued to house local schools until its acquisition by the city of Rockland in 1996, following SAD 5’s closure of Rockland District Middle School. During the late 1990s renovations efforts were made to develop retirement housing within the space, although a number of the school’s amenities remain—including a gymnasium and 300-seat auditorium. These assets provide a valuable resource to our tenants and the community. In addition, our location offers an ideal opportunity to access both surrounding neighborhoods and commercial activity.

Our building has also housed a venerable collection of local memorabilia pertaining to the schools’ legacies, tying the facility to its historical context. In the face of increasing changes to Maine’s school systems and their historic resources, this use has helped to highlight an important part of the Midcoast’s community and cultural landscape.

The current use of our space for community and artists places provides a necessary and key use to an area rich with creative energy and activity, but with relatively few affordable spaces to provide working artists with the studios they need to produce their work. The town of Rockland has already been an exemplary model in the effective use of commercial space to rejuvenate its rich historic downtown area. With this in mind we we look forward to a future which involves further care for this historic landmark and cultivation of the community it is home to.

With multiple requests, often weekly, and a years-long waiting list, to say that we are meeting a desperate need for affordable creative space would be an understatement.

There is simply no other building like this in the midcoast—with so many studio spaces under one roof—providing space to creative small businesses and makers in one place. The community and energy this fosters is precious to those who visit and create art here.

With a mission to provide space to artists and makers of all levels and careers, we are home to both renown and established artists as well as your friends, neighbors, and precious community volunteers. Some of our artists exhibit world-wide, while others are beloved locals, and many are active in our schools and youth groups, helping to usher in the next generation of creative spirits.

To view more information about some of our current tenants, please visit our tenants page.

In an effort to connect with our neighbors and community members, we host multiple open studio events a year where the public has opportunity to tour the building and inside of the artist studios. Please follow us on Facebook page or visit our news page for event information.