NORWAY — Visitors to Norway Memorial Library can enjoy an art exhibit in the reference room. “Quiet Please” features fifteen mixed medium paintings by Peter Herley. Of his art exhibit he writes, “With static in the world coming at us from all directions, we need a place to be quiet and reflect. With that, Quiet Please…”

Peter has enjoyed being part of the arts scene, both as an observer and a participant, as far back as he can remember. He was introduced to art in preschool when he learned how to draw and finger paint. His father took him to museum exhibits often in New York City. He was enthralled by Jackson Pollack’s work and wanted to be as good as him.

Once he went to college at Rutgers University, he met other artists. They had several shows in galleries and multiple shows at low-key venues like living rooms, bars, abandoned buildings, and in storefront windows. Once he graduated from Rutgers with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a minor in Education, he began submitting his work and getting shows in galleries and libraries in New Jersey and New York City.

After high school and through the early eighties, he traveled to Europe several times, California and the southwest, up and down the eastern seaboard, and for a short while lived in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. His travels influenced his art.

In 1986, he met his future wife Jeanne while working in an art supply store in New York City. They married in 1989, and moved from New Jersey to Portland, Maine where they both became advocates for the homeless and part of the local art scene.

When Spring 1995 arrived, they packed their car, left Maine, and camped across the country and Canada for 5 ½ months, destination unknown. When they stopped, they were in Oregon. They lived in the Eugene/Springfield area for 19 years. When downtown Eugene was experiencing a blight, he and some friends started the Eugene Storefront Art Project. Their goal was to bring life back to downtown by adding art to empty storefronts until business returned. Downtown Eugene is now thriving. Springfield invited them to bring more art to their city, so for several years they spread vibrancy through art to the neighboring city.

Peter and Jeanne decided to move back to the east coast to be closer to aging parents in 2014. They moved to Norway, Maine, his wife’s hometown, where he continues to prolifically produce art and show in libraries and other public spaces.

This display is on view whenever the library is open from October 1-November 12. There is a guest book in the reference room for visitor comments. Visitors may enjoy a closing artist reception with light refreshments on Wednesday, November 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Copy the Story Link

Comments are not available on this story.