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LEWISTON – The Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor has unveiled portraits of Lewiston-Auburn residents displayed on the museum’s future home, the former Camden Yarns Mill, 1 Beech St.
The museum collaborated with artist Pigeon to create the portraits to add to the existing MAINER series. Six portraits are on display on the side of the former mill building.
MILL will host Pigeon for a community conversation at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the museum’s current location, 35 Canal St.
Pigeon’s MAINER Project began in 2015 in Portland. The portraits depict people who live in Maine—some were born here, others recently moved here. In every case, the subject has had been told they do not belong in Maine. Pigeon has brought this series across the state, and the MMILL display is his first in Lewiston-Auburn.
By committing to sustaining conversations throughout the community, Pigeon and those that engage with the works gain a deeper understanding of the class, ethnic and personal problems in Maine.
The project is made possible by Androscoggin Bank, with additional support by Community Credit Union.
The portraits are of:
Araksan, an educator and community health worker;
Djamal, originally from Chadm and a student at Central Maine Community College studying building constructions technology while building his own art and cologne business;
Abijah, born in Orlando, Florida, but who has lived all over the country, and whose dream is to be a beacon of change and support for Lewiston and beyond.
Lawton, a Maine native and member of the Mohawk nation, a musician, painter, sometimes lobsterman and full-time caretaker to his sister and nephew;
Assasi, a rapper and co-founder of the Bilad El Sham movement in Syria, who met his wife, from Millinocket, in Lebanon, where he was a refugee.
Ruby, from Oaxaca, Mexico, a cook of her traditional cuisine and an avid dancer.
For more information about Maine MILL (formerly Museum L-A) and its events and exhibits, visit mainemill.org or call 207-333-3881.
