LEWISTON — The Franco-American Collection at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College will present readings of selections from “Heliotrope: French Heritage Women Create” on Tuesday, Nov. 15.  

This anthology of written works and visual arts was published in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Franco-American Women’s Institute and includes the works of 130 women of French heritage. The talk will be at 6 p.m. with light refreshments and a chance to visit the collection beforehand.

Editor Rhea Cote Robbins and area contributors Susann Pelletier, Nanci Breau, Maureen Perry, Mary Rice-DeFosse and Florence Rose Martin will be presenting selections from the book. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

The Franco-American Women’s Institute promotes the contributions of the French heritage women’s lives —  past, present and future. The anthology, “Heliotrope: French Heritage Women Create,” of written works and visual arts, was published to mark the present, active, creative lives of the women of the French heritage culture.

This anthology presents a snapshot of the women’s lives as they exist in the present, offering to current and future generations a vivid compilation of voices and visuals. The anthology builds bridges of insight and understanding for all who read and view the works. Annie Proulx is featured as well as 130 other women of French heritage.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Franco-American Collection is at University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster St., Lewiston. The Collection preserves the past and promotes the study of Franco-American culture and history.

FMI: usm.maine.edu/franco, 207-753-6545, [email protected].