Waterfall Arts to open ‘Press Play’ exhibition in Belfast

Waterfall Arts in Belfast will open “Press Play,” a group exhibition featuring artists Tara Morin, Tori Marsh and Tom Jessen, on June 26. An opening reception and summer open house will be held June 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will run through Aug. 29.

“Press Play is an invitation for our audience to rediscover the magic of play,” said Amy Tingle, Waterfall Arts program director. “Tara Morin, Tori Marsh, and Tom Jessen encourage visitors to reconnect with their inner child — embracing curiosity and wonder as essential tools for navigating the complexities of contemporary life.” In a world that often undervalues playfulness, the exhibition offers an invitation to embrace joy, creativity and discovery as essential ways of engaging with oneself, others and the wider world.

Tom Jessen describes his work as “a kind of teeter-totter where I play with seriousness and irreverence, control and chaos, determined static structure and fluid organic choices.” Using chance operations such as rolling dice to guide color and compositional decisions, Jessen explores agency, unpredictability and the “game” aspect of artistic creation. “This keeps the end results fun and mysterious to me,” he said.

“For me, to ‘Press Play’ meant giving myself a chance to explore, make mistakes, and investigate,” Tori Marsh said. “It was an opportunity to let down my guard to make some silly pieces I have always wanted to try or expand on my work in different ways.” Marsh’s contributions include her signature cartoon-inspired animal figures alongside renewed explorations in sewing and textiles.

“Press Play is an activating title rather than a descriptive one,” Tara Morin said. “A verb rather than a noun.” Morin describes the phrase as an invitation to begin — to engage, experiment and participate. “’Press Play’ as a title is an invitation.”

While play and creative experimentation are often dismissed in adulthood, they remain foundational to resilience, emotional well-being and social connection. Through creative play, participants can learn to approach challenges with openness, imagination and adaptability.

The exhibition extends beyond the gallery through an expansive season of supporting classes, workshops and community events inspired by the spirit of Press Play. Waterfall Arts’ summer programming will encourage participants of all ages to engage in exploration, creativity and collaborative making.

Supporting programming will include photo walks and film darkroom basics on June 27; a rock-wrapping workshop, “It’s a Wrap,” on July 7; a glassblowing workshop to make a pint glass, also on July 7; “Playdate With a Sketchbook” on July 9; and a watercolor class, “Bird by Bird,” on Aug. 21. Waterfall Arts will also partner with the Colonial Theater for an off-site screening of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” on July 12.

Waterfall Arts will also introduce its inaugural ART Parade, pending a permit, on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. — a celebration of whimsy, imagination and collective creativity inspired by the playful spirit of Press Play.

Sculptural paper lanterns will be created in community arts workshops led by visiting artist Valeska Populoh in July, and participants of all ages are welcome. Attendees are invited to wear twinkle lights, carry a paper lantern illuminated with LED lights, play an instrument or carry wind chimes, bang a drum, wear a papier-mâché mask or carry a puppet from the Community Puppet Library in Rockland. Costumes, lanterns and puppets from past events are also welcome.

The lantern and puppetry parade will process from the Waterfall Arts front lawn to the footbridge — aglow with handmade art, movement and community magic. Participants can prepare through a series of hands-on workshops designed to spark imagination and joyful collaboration.

ART Parade preparation workshops will include a Family Lantern Making Workshop on July 9; Beginning Paper and Reed Lanterns on July 9 and 11; Paper Mâché on Parade on July 28; and Puppets on Parade, led by Press Play artists Tara Morin and Tori Marsh, on Aug. 15.

Whether carrying a glowing lantern, wearing an elaborate mask or marching alongside a fantastical puppet companion, participants are invited to rediscover the delight of making, imagining and playing together.

Through exhibition, workshops and community celebration, Press Play invites audiences to embrace the joyful and transformative qualities of creative play, fostering deeper connections to oneself, the community and the wider world.

Waterfall Arts is at 256 High St., Belfast. For more information, visit waterfallarts.org.