Into the Fall. Alcohol Ink, Acrylic, Building Medium, Compressed Gold, 24K Gold. NFS.
The UMVA Portland Gallery. The Portland Gallery is hosting Water, its first juried exhibition for UMVA members, and I'm honored that they selected one of my paintings. The show explores themes of fluidity, and resource, the necessity, yet scarcity we face. Water is also cleansing, yet currently facing issues of contamination, concepts of purity in a time when materials such as microplastics threaten, water in terms of water rights and accessibility, and the effects of colonization on indigenous practices of fishing and access. Water is life-giving, but can also cause destruction. Opening night and reception is November 3 (First Friday) from 5-8 PM. Water runs through November 24. The UMVA Portland Gallery is located on 516 Congress St Portland Maine 04101. For more information about the event and other UMVA news? Check 'em out right here!
This is Guest Curated by Dr. Susan Smith, who is also a Member of UMVA. Susan is the coordinator/faculty for the Intermedia MFA program at the University of Maine, Orono, and a practicing artist, also the former director for the campus Lord Hall Gallery.
Duration of Exhibit: October 30 - November 24
First Friday Art Walk (Opening): November 3, 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
Gallery Hours: Friday 5pm - 8pm; Saturday 1pm - 4pm; Sunday 2pm - 5pm. 516 Congress Street, Portland, Maine
First Friday in Portland, a.k.a. "The Art Walk" actually happens EVERY First Friday. Galleries are open until 8, and there's free admission to the PMA. [Also lots of free food.] I just mention this one in particular because I've got another painting up in an exhibit and am wicked psyched. When I said I was "honored" in that little cut-and-paste blurb I meant doing a happy dance. "Into the Fall" has already sold, so it's just on display, but it's lovely to have people see what you're up to. Doing artwork in a little room can be kind of lonely sometimes, you know. Which reminds me...
Consider being a member of the UMVA. This particular gallery is the Southern Maine branch. I felt kinda like a wedding crasher since I'm in the Central Maine chapter, but it's not like that. UMVA (Union of Maine Visual Artists) is a true art community, and I haven't attended Southern Maine meetings --they sound a little more formal than central Maine-- but I can tell you it's worth paying a bit to have like-minded people to gather with every couple months, in person, online, zoom-style, what have you. Some shows are juried, some are open calls, so you don't have to do the whole "I'm not good enough" thing. Just consider it. Connecting and communicating with others is what art's really about, right?
So. Please enjoy the First Friday Artwalk in Portland on November, come to UMVA Art Gallery for the reception of Water, and consider becoming a member. Eat some cheese and crackers. Drink some fizzy cider or wine. Buy some art. Wear warm socks. See you there! *
xoxo,
Rachel
* I'll be the awkward girl in a black dress who talks too fast. Even if I know you and you know me well, I may not recognize your face or remember your name since I'm seeing you in an odd place. Please don't take it personally, a medicine I'm taking sometimes causes prosopagnosia.
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