LEWISTON — Steel cello and poetry are on the program for this week’s Oasis of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church, 247 Bates St. from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. The event is free and open to the public.

The steel cello is made of a suspended piece of sheet metal with a single cable played with a standard cello bow. The instrument, constructed by local artist Michael Libby, was invented in the 1970s by Bob Rutman in West Athens, Maine, when he was a member of the Central Maine Power Music Company. It was further developed in Cambridge, Mass., where Rutman founded the US Steel Cello Ensemble. Rutman has been living in Germany for the past 20 years, where he continues his work with experimental instruments.

Libby will also recite poetry around the theme of loss, accompanied by Boardman. Libby is currently interning as an addiction counselor and much of his varied art exploration concerns itself with trauma, loss and the role of community in the healing process.

? This performance is happening in conjunction with an installation of Libby’s artwork called: “On Getting High: Mapping Addiction at Home,” on exhibit through the month of December. There is an opening reception for Libby from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. FMI: call 207-344-3106.