An artist talk and reception will be held in conjunction with “Art as Medicine,” USM alumnus Michael Libby’s solo show, from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Atrium Gallery at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston Campus. The reception will also feature a performance by local musician Greg Boardman.

.”Art as Medicine,” on view through Sept. 27, brings Libby’s creative expression and expertise in counseling and therapy together in this significant body of work.

Libby, NCC, LCPC-C, CADC, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Southern Maine in 1992 and his Master of Science degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling from USM in 2017. He also earned a post-graduate certificate in expressive arts therapies at Lesley University in Cambridge. A licensed mental health counselor (LCPC-C) and certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC), Libby believes the answers to the current opioid epidemic and other serious related issues will evolve mostly from a community response.

Greg Boardman lives with his family in Lewiston. He is a long-time orchestra teacher in the Lewiston Public Schools, and performs locally as a dance fiddler, chamber music player and member of the church band at Trinity Church. He also curates the Oasis of Music, a weekly event at Trinity Commons.

The reception is free and open to the public. The Atrium Gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and is accessed through the main campus entrance at 51 Westminster St., Lewiston. There is free, onsite parking.

The University of Southern Maine is a public university with undergraduate and graduate students taking courses online and at campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn..