ARRT! (The Artists’ Rapid Response Team!) works with progressive groups and organizations throughout Maine, providing images that can help to distill and clarify their important messages about issues that matter to people in Maine and the world beyond our borders. ARRT! is a project of the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA), a members’ organization of artists helping artists.
The summer began with the Whitefield Independence Day Parade. ARRTists, neighbors, and volunteers participated with Natasha Mayers on this year’s theme: “Grift Shop.” From caps and golden sneakers to pardons, ballots, and “Get Out of Jail Free!” cards, everything was for sale.
The whole crew!
This summer, as plans to build an Amazon Warehouse in Gorham geared up, activists, neighbors, and community members gathered to share their concerns.. ARRT! provided materials for people to express themselves and paint their own placards.
Activists in Gorham with ARRT! banner on display.
Invitation to jump into painting handmade signs with ARRT! in Gorham.
ARRT! tables in action with creative volunteers.
Each message is unique.
Protestor with her own placard.
Protestors in Gorham share their message.
ARRT! banner in action.
ARRT! Communities banner in action.
ARRT!ists at work.
Sanford Clean Air and Water Coalition are organizing against a data center in their community. ARRT! worked on a banner for them, and other communities battling this issue. at our September paint session.
ARRT! banner addressing the many difficult issues that Data Centers present to communities.
ARRT! banner made for and with the The Maine MultiCultural Center (MMCC).
ARRT! banner made for and with the The Maine MultiCultural Center (MMCC).
The Maine MultiCultural Center (MMCC) is a nonprofit organization serving immigrant families in the Greater Bangor area. Organizers joined ARRT! in September and joyfully painted with us, sharing their mission. They help New Mainers navigate life in Maine and connect with the resources and opportunities they need to build stable, independent lives. Their work includes housing and employment assistance, education and school advocacy, healthcare navigation, interpretation and translation, transportation, financial literacy, and connections to community resources. At the heart of their work is creating a welcoming community where everyone feels that they belong.
GET OUT THE VOTE
This fall, many activists are working hard to encourage people across the state to engage in the democratic process by showing up at the polls and voting. The following images include ARRT! props, costumes, and selfie signs that provide playful interaction at public events. You may see them at LumenARRT! projections, rallies and events this fall, join in the fun!
ARRT! prop, full sized figure.
ARRT! Mailbox costume, back view.
ARRT! Mailbox costume, front view.
ARRT! Mailbox costume, front view.
ARRT! Absentee ballot drop box prop.
ARRT!ist at work.
ARRT! selfie sign.
ARRT! selfie sign.
ARRT! selfie sign.
ARRT! selfie sign.
Join us for the next gathering of ARRT! on 18 October in Bowdoinham. We gather from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Merrymeeting Grange Hall, 27 Main Street. The Bowdoinham Historical Society is our host, and the sign out front says “Merrymeeting Books.” We potluck lunch and provide coffee. Email mayersnatasha@gmail.com for more info or if you plan on coming.
ARRT!ist at work.
ARRT!ists at work.
ARRT!ist at work.
The Artists’ Rapid Response Team (ARRT!) is a project of the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA). ARRT! is grateful for the support of the UMVA and a donor-advised fund of the Maine Community Foundation. UMVA members and others are welcome to join in and ARRT! is always on the lookout for organizations in need of our services. Check out our website to see hundreds of the banners, signs, and props we’ve made over the past twelve years and visit our Instagram page for updates!
Full view of the image at top: ARRT! selfie sign.