PHOTO: “Stone Man Falling,” by Abbott Meader, of Oakland, is one of the works featured in the “Homecoming” exhibition. (Submitted photo)
HALLOWELL — “Homecoming” an art exhibition featuring art created during the pandemic by members of the Kennebec Valley Art Association, housed at the Harlow Gallery, will be on display through Jan. 2.
“Homecoming” and a return to home is a commentary on the need and resilience of making art in solitude fostering resilience and comfort during these challenging times, organizers of the exhibit said. The KVAA invited its members to answer the call regarding how the pandemic has affected their creative practice in this exhibition in statements to be shared online and in the gallery.
The exhibit includes more than 50 works in painting, sculpture, fine and digital printmaking, fiber, photography, mixed media and more from 26 artists from across central Maine.
Participating artists include Amy Kustra, of Freeport; Jane Higgins, of Winthrop; Diane Woodworth, of Hermon; Elizabeth Luckcraft, of Smithfield; Andre Benoit, of Boothbay; Christine Sullivan, of Hallowell; Lynne Lyons, of China; Penny Markley, of Winthrop; Judith Schuppien, of Brunswick; Jen Hickey, of Waterville; Nancy Keenan Barron, of South Gardiner; Alix Barron, of South Gardiner; Michael Stevenson, of Augusta; Kid McGuire, of Augusta; Renae Moran, of Wayne; Dianne Horton, of Swanville; Bruce Armstrong, of Manchester; Kit Munroe, of Waterville; Ellen Freed, of Hallowell; Laura Endres, of Hallowell; Jeanne Finley, of Garland; Abbott Meader, of Oakland; Helene Farrar, of Manchester; Robin Brooks, of Topsham; and Camille Davidson, of Readfield.
Artist Michael Stevenson has also offered that the proceeds of the sale of his piece “Sheltered In Place” will be donated to the gallery.
Freed, of the participants, said of the artist process during the pandemic, “Day turned into weeks then, into months. We’ve had eight months of worries, changes, losses, observations, and recalculating our lives. I’ve found more time to walk, sit down, draw, photograph, process, and sew. Working on these pieces has given me a way to find peace amidst the chaos.”
The exhibition is open the public 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and by appointment.
