The Kneeling Art Photography exhibition in August was a success and a show that demonstrated how ordinary Maine people from various communities took-a-knee in supporting the struggle to end systemic racism and to promote social justice. A panel presentation took place in the gallery. You can watch coverage of the show on CTN Channel 5. Other exhibitions of the work included Colby College and UMO.
Joseph Jackson of Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition at UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
Freedom and Captivity ran through September and October. The show exhibited the works of prison residents with accompanying statements by the artists. This gallery show was part of a statewide campaign to raise consciousness about Maine prisoners and the need to reform the prison system, abolishing the present form of incarceration and finding new ways of advancing alternative rehabilitation strategies. Curators Jan Collins and Olivia Hochstadt were interviewed in the UMVA Gallery by CBS television. (The story aired on 19 December and can be viewed here.)
Co-curator Olivia Hochstadt at the UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
The UMVA Portland seeks a gallery manager. To this end, a proposal was submitted to the Maine Arts Commission. Hopefully, we will find a candidate who can increase sales and find ways of funding the position.
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Jan Collins, co-curator of F&C exhibit at UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
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UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
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Clara Cohan, sculptor, at UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
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UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
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UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
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Andy Chulyk at UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
The November Members’ show ran until 28 December 2021. More than three dozen members’ works were exhibited in the show, which were beautifully displayed, and the work was excellent. There are two members’ shows each year; any member may submit a piece or two and it is a great opportunity for members to exhibit.
Amy Bellezza, Members’ Show curator, at UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).
The UMVA Portland chapter has meetings every third Monday of the month. It is a terrific opportunity to meet other members and participate in overseeing the gallery exhibits. All members are welcome to join in these virtual meetings.
UMVA 2022 Exhibition Schedule
January – Dual Solo – Sandblast, Distressed Wooden Assemblage – Andre Benoit
It is Not So Simple – Milly Bachrach
February – Dual Solo – Matrilineal – Becky Jane Rose
Nest – Dani Robbins, Poorva Singh, Zachary Taibi – 2 weeks
March – Solo – Reflections – Brooke Lambert
April – Solo – Unmonetized – Ruthanne Harrison
May – Group – Experiments in Watercolor: Diversity and Luminosity – Greg Mason Burns, Rabee Kiwan, Liz Prescott, Arthur Nichols, John Silverio, Alan Crichton, and Ed Nadeau
June – Members’ Show
July – Group – Being Human — Rabee Kiwan, Greg Burns, Arthur Nichols, Jen Joachin, John Ripton
August – Solo – Sea Changes – Joanne Tarlin
September – Group – PRESSTO – Kris Onus, Jo Ann Bianchi, Monotype Guild of New England
October – Dual Solo – A Wicked Tiny History of Playing & Tarot Cards – Amy Bellezza
Portland Works – Tom Bloom
November – Members’ Show
December – Holiday Show and Sale
Image at top: UMVA Gallery (photo: Dave Wade).