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.
ARRT! had a productive winter season, working with many new artists and groups. One exciting development was the success of activists to impact the decision of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) to reject a proposed mining project in the Katahdin region. Both ARRT! and LumenARRT! have worked with community organizations such as the Natural Resources Council, Community Water Justice and Wabanaki tribal leadership to bring attention to the threat posed to the area. We celebrate the decision! The motto of Community Water Justice is “Behind the fight for our water is the struggle for democracy.”
ARRT! banner shown with the Community Water Justice network, working to block a metallic mining project in the headwaters of the Penobscot River.
Among the organizations ARRT! worked with this winter are; New England Arab-American Organization, Don’t Waste Maine, Coalition for Palestine, Maine Without Hate, League of Women Voters, Her Safety Net, Homeless Voices for Justice and more. With so many issues on the line, passions are strong. We support civil discourse and the peaceful airing of sometimes difficult ideas. Not all ARRTists or UMVA members, have the same beliefs, but we support one another in the right to hold spirited dialogue to navigate these polarized times.
ARRTists and friends pause for a group portrait, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! banner in Portland during the First Friday Artwalk, 1 March 2024, with the League of Women Voters and LumenARRT!
ARRT! banner created during the March paint session for the New England Arab-American Organization.
ARRTists at work during March paint session.
ARRTists at work during March paint session.
ARRT! banner created during the March paint session for the New England Arab-American Organization.
ARRTists at work during March paint session.
ARRTists at work during March paint session.
ARRT! banner created during the March paint session to celebrate trans lives for Trans Visibility Day, 30 March event.
ARRT! selfie placard created during the March paint session.
ARRT! selfie placard created during the March paint session.
ARRT! banner for the Community Organizing Alliance, winter 2024.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! banner for the Preble Street Homeless Voices for Justice, winter 2024.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! helped construct this Bisan Owda puppet with Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights during a winter 2024 painting session.
Bisan Owda puppet in use at a Portland demonstration.
ARRTists and friends during a planning session, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRTist at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRTists and friends photographing the work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! banner for Her Safety Net, winter 2024.
ARRTists at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! banner for the Coalition for Palestine, painted during winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! banner in action during a LumenARRT! projection on 12 February 2024, in Monument Square, Portland supporting the Maine Coalition for Palestine.
ARRT! banner in action during a LumenARRT! projection on 12 February 2024, in Monument Square, Portland supporting the the Maine Coalition for Palestine.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
ARRT! banner for Don’t Waste Me, winter 2024.
ARRT! banners shown in news broadcast following a protest in support of a ceasefire in Palestine.
ARRTists and friends at work, winter 2024, at the Bowdoinham Historical Society.
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 always welcome to join in, and ARRT! is always on the lookout for organizations in need of our services. Check out our website.
Image at top: ARRT! banner shown with the Community Water Justice network, working to block a metallic mining project in the headwaters of the Penobscot River.