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Gov. Baldacci |
September 2006
Governor John Baldacci will set the tone for "The Inspired Hand III" exhibition that opens at the Atrium Art Gallery, USM/Lewiston Auburn, on Sunday Sept. 10, 1 3 p.m., when he speaks about the power of Maine’s creative workforce. Artists as well as other innovators and entrepreneurs are, as Gov. Baldacci describes, the "human ingenuity that drives the creative economy." Also speaking will be Joseph S. Wood, USM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, State Senator Peggy Rotundo, and Betsy Sholl, Maine’s Poet Laureate. Sholl was commissioned to write a poem for the exhibition.
Gov. Baldacci has spearheaded the creative economy efforts in the state, following a pivotal conference at the Bates Mill Complex in 2004. He recently unveiled a 60 page handbook, for communities to guide them in cultivating their own creative potential. The handbook accompanies an extensive report by Maine’s Creative Economy Council.
"The Inspired Hand III" is a juried exhibition of work in all media by members of the Maine Crafts Association and includes a large number of artists who are professional craftspeople. The exhibition highlights work by 39 artists in clay, fiber, wood, metal, glass, and paper and includes furniture, jewelry, textiles, pottery, sculptural work and more. The reception, free and open to the public, is from 1 3 p.m.
"The Inspired Hand III" includes both established and emerging Maine artists with works that are traditional and innovative but all possessing a fresh artistic vision and mastery of technique. The result is an eloquent collection of work that encompasses all media and presents an inspired perspective of contemporary crafts in the state.
The Maine Crafts Association, a state wide non profit organization founded in 1983, promotes and advocates contemporary crafts throughout the state as well as supporting the success of craft artists. MCA supports its members by offering excellent business and craft workshops, an impressive mentoring program, networking opportunities, and numerous events throughout the year to help make their work better known to the public. For more information on Maine Crafts Association call 207 780 1807 or visit MCA at www.mainecrafts.org.
The exhibition continues through October 21. The Atrium Art Gallery is located at USM/Lewiston Auburn, 51 Westminster Street in Lewiston. The reception Sunday, Sept. 10, 1 3 p.m., is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday Thursday, 8 a.m. 8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call USM/L-A at 753 6500 or check the website at www.usm.maine.edu/lac/art/inspired. |
