PORTLAND — The UNE Gallery on the Portland campus is a hidden treasure behind the traditional brick buildings of the growing campus. Two unusual exhibits can be seen there which are worth a trip into Portland to see.

The black-and-white photographs of Kerry Michaels in the exhibit titled “A Gateless Garden,”are breathtaking, hung on both floors of the gallery walls and up the stairs. Each photograph is hung with a quote for a Maine woman writer, uniting the art of writing with the art of photography.

Some favorite poets and writers whose quotes are paired with photographs include: Edna St. Vincent Millay, Elizabeth Coatsworth, Kate Barnes, Rachel Carson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mary Ellen Chase, Helen Nearing, Kate Douglass Wiggin, Margaret Deland, Caitlin Shetterly, Elizabeth Peavey, Laura Sewall, Lee Sharkey, and Lily King, just to name a few.

Liza Bakewell, executive Director of “Maine Women Write” organization, and former professor of anthropology at Brown University, said in the beautiful catalogue of the show, “A Gateless Garden,” “Maine has been the home to great women authors.”

I could not help think of the late Dorothy Healy who founded the Maine Women Writers’ Collection at Westbrook College now the University of New England. How pleased Dorothy Healy would be to see women writers celebrated in a museum exhibit showcasing the magnificent photographs of nature by Kerry Michaels, a woman photographer. Dorothy Healy was a champion of women writers’ contributions in the state.

This exhibit is for everyone who loves beauty both in nature and in words. Like a garden, beauty can be seen in different moments when light and shade appears in nature. This special quality is captured by the poignant photography of Kerry Michaels. Like a garden, the quotes in this exhibit have been gathered into a bouquet of words. The poetry and photography together throughout the museum give a special glow to this dark and difficult winter. Over 53 photographs are shown with significant quotes from Maine writers.

In an interview with Ann Zill, Director of the UNE Art Gallery, Zill said, “I was motivated to show this exhibit because it brought out the importance of photography done in Maine today and showcased women writers from 1800 to the present day with meaningful quotes. It tied in with the curriculum on campus and I thought it would interest students as well as the general public.”

For all who love the beauty of words and the beauty of photography do not miss this exhibit.

In the downstairs gallery is a special exhibit of monoprints by Joan Busing.  A new resident in Maine after a career in New York, her work is refreshing. Monoprints are one-of-a-kind. Photographs are hung on one wall  show the process of creating a monoprint. In a sense, her exhibit teaches the public the monoprint process and is excellent for students.  “I moved to Maine to be near my daughter. I am not retired. A painter never retires. I am a printmaker. I love the process of printing a painting,” Busing stated in an interview.

“I have been influenced by the natural colors of New Mexico where I visited often.I love color. I have made studies of the moon which also hang in this exhibit. Originally they were studies for a book of poetry by the 13th century poet, Rumi. I love living in Maine. I love the people and the art community.The light on the water in Maine is absolutely stunning and really moved me. I am looking forward to exploring Maine and much new creativity in the spring,” Busing said.

Busing has a special gift with color. Her 21 works lifts your spirits as you walk into the gallery and compliments the photographs of Kerry Michaels up stairs with a blast of color in this long, dark winter. She will be giving talk in the gallery April 9.

This is a quiet exhibit that explores beauty in words, photography, painting and creativity by Maine women. It is worth a visit of contemplation and quiet thought. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., and Thursday 1 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. The exhibit runs through April 12.

“A Gateless Garden” by Kerry Michaels Photographer/Maine Poets

and

“Color Fields” Monotypes byJoan Busing

UNE Art Gallery Portland Campus

Dates: January 20 April 12

Reviewed by Pat Davidson Reef