COMMUNITY ART BUS

Common Roots Studio Community Art Bus

The Community Art Bus, a program created by Nick Blunier of Common Roots Studio, brings free, hands-on art experiences directly to underserved communities in Maine.

Inspired by his background in using art in a therapeutic setting and special education, Nick transformed a painted bus into a mobile art space that provides creative outlets for youth and families.

Operating out of Biddeford, where economic challenges are significant, the bus has reached over 15,000 participants in its first three years, partnering with 40+ organizations to deliver 222 hours of programming.

With a focus on fostering creativity, community, and mental health awareness, the program relies on donations, sponsorships, and hired events to continue offering free services, ensuring art remains accessible to those who need it most.

The bus was painted by the community at the 2022 Fringefest in downtown Biddeford. With the help of local graffiti artist DanaNastee’s finished touches. Investors and businesses names have been added to the bus advertising for them at
all events!

2025 Events

Learning Works Afterschool Program - Feb 3
Wells Public Library - Feb 19
Learning Works Afterschool Program - April 10
Aquabogon Easter Event - April 19
Dayton Consolidated School - May 7
Confetti - June 7
Saco Bay Girl Scouts Family Night - June 11
Kennebunk Art Walk - June 13
Wells Public Library - June 23
Ogunquit Memorial Library - June 24
Gray Recreational Camp - July 1
Sherwood Elementary School - July 2
Biddeford Summer Camp - July 3
Kennebunk Art Walk - July 11
Westbrook Commons - July 19
Bangor State Fair - July 26-27
Berwick Library - Aug 1
Kennebunk Art Walk - Aug 8
River Jam Fest - Aug 16
St. Josephs College - Aug 24
South Portland Library - Aug 27
Center for Grieving Children, Portland - Sept 20
Babygirl Foundation Fundraiser - Sept 21
Oktoberfest, Biddeford - Sept 27
Falmouth Land Trust - Sept 28
Sweetser Ruel Ricker Country Fair Day - Oct 1
Sustainable Scarborough Day - Oct 5
Big Brothers Big Sisters Portland - October 28
Heart of Biddeford Merry Brightness - Dec 5
Ogunquit Museum of Art - Dec 13 + 14
The Gutter Biddeford Ugly Sweater Fundraiser Dec 20

Where We've Been & What We've Done

Towns & Events Covered

Bus Donated Time / Supplies to Community

AUBURN

Sherwood Elementary School

BANGOR

Bangor State Fair

BERWICK

Berwick Library

BIDDEFORD

River Jam Fest

Fringefest

Cultural Fair

Sacred Profane Pride Block Party

JFK Memorial "School Readiness Fair"

Pollinator Festival

Chamber's Beach Bash

Sacred Profane Stand Together PRIDE

BLOCK PARTY

Heart of Biddeford Music in the Park

Chamber's Chamberfest

Biddeford Art Walk

CRS Halloween Show @ Sacred

Profane

Shop Local with Heart of Biddeford

Banded Brewing Holiday Fest

School Readiness

Confetti

Biddeford Beach Bash

ChamberFest

Sweetser Summer Fun Day

River Jam Fest

Oktoberfest

University of New England

Blaze Brewery

Jr Martin Community Center

Block Party

Tree Lighting

Biddeford Summer Camp

River Jam Fest

Oktoberfest

BOOTHBAY HARBOR

Maine State Aquarium

DAYTON

Consolidated School

DENMARK

Dam Jam

DOVER, NH

Revel in Meadow

FALMOUTH, ME

Hurricane Valley Farm

Falmouth Land Trust

GRAY

Gray Recreational Camp

HIRAM

Ossipee Valley Music Arts Festival

(3 Day Festival)

Ossipee Valley Music Arts Festival

(3 Day Festival)

KENNEBUNK

Kennebunk Art Walk

KENNEBUNK/PORT

Christmas Prelude 2022

Parks & Rec Chalk the Port

Baby Girl Foundation

Christmas Prelude 2023

Baby Girl Foundation

Christmas Prelude 2024

Saco Bay Girl Scouts Family Night

Kennebunk Art Walk

Babygirl Foundation

NORTH BERWICK

Continuum Arts Music Festival

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Oceanwood Camp

OGUNQUIT
Ogunquit Library

American Art Museum

Ogunquit Memorial Library

PORTLAND

Axe-Travaganza

Portland Childs Odyssey

Portland Museum of Art

Center for Grieving Children

Children's Odyssey

Learning Works Afterschool Program

Center for Grieving Children

Big Brothers Big Sisters Portland

ROME

Pine Tree Special Needs Camp

SACO

Run of the Mill Harvest Fest

Sweetser Fall Festival

Wandalands Music Arts Festival

Sweetser Summer Fun Day

Sweetser Ruel Ricker Farm Day

Halloween at Pacifico

Holiday Gift Making at Pacifico

Aquabogon Easter Event

Sweetser Ruel Ricker Country Fair Day

SCARBOROUGH

Sustainable Scarborough Day

SOUTH PORTLAND

South Portland

STANDISH

St. Joseph's College

WELLS

Wild Bevy Distilling Nature Art Day

Wells Public Library

WESTBROOK

Westbrook Commons

HOW TO HELP

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LEARN MORE

1

Donate

supplies or money

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account to access the list

@commonrootsstudio

2

Rent the bus for your event!

Hired jobs allow us to provide free art activities at community and non profit events; supporting our mission of art for all.

With our newly renovated small bus, Common Roots Studio can bring immersive art experiences to youth anywhere! Perfect for festivals, community events, birthdays and more! The Mobile Art Bus unfolds to offer a hub for arts & crafts.