LEWISTON – Gov. John Baldacci will set the tone for “The Inspired Hand III” exhibition that opens at the Atrium Art Gallery at Lewiston-Auburn College on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Baldacci will speak about the power of Maine’s creative work force.

Artists as well as other innovators and entrepreneurs are, as Baldacci describes, the “human ingenuity that drives the creative economy.”

Also speaking will be Joseph S. Wood, University of Southern Maine provost and vice president for academic affairs; state Sen. Peggy Rotundo; and Betsy Sholl, Maine’s poet laureate. Sholl was commissioned to write a poem for the exhibition.

“The Inspired Hand III” is a juried exhibition of work in all media by members of the Maine Crafts Association and includes a large number of artists who are professional craftspeople. The exhibition highlights work by 39 artists in clay, fiber, wood, metal, glass and paper and includes furniture, jewelry, textiles, pottery and sculpture.

For more information on Maine Crafts Association call (207) 780-1807 or visit MCA at www.mainecrafts.org.