Art exhibit and papermaking workshop highlight ‘Recovery Through the Arts’

The University of Maine at Machias Art Gallery will present “Hiraeth: Recovery Through the Arts,” a series of cyanotype prints and sculptural objects by Michel Droge, March 1–26.

An opening reception 4–7 p.m. March 1 is free and open to the public. The Art Gallery in Powers Hall is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, call 255.1342 or visit machias.edu/art-gallery.

Drawing from the symbolism of the family pattern woven into fisherman’s sweaters, Droge’s artwork opens the door for conversation and community engagement around the opioid epidemic. A handmade book of writings on the subject by event organizer Holly Gartmayer-DeYoung, CEO of Eastport Health Care, Inc., will be included in the exhibit.

A free collaborative papermaking workshop will be led by Droge and professor Bernie Vinzani, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. March 2 in Torrey Hall on campus.

Participants are asked to bring a piece of natural clothing or other plant-based material that has significance to them in the realm of recovery or addresses their experience with the opioid epidemic. The items will be joined into sheets of handmade paper. The paper will then be embossed with meaningful words chosen by the participants.

Droge, a Portland-based painter and printmaker, is the recipient of a Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant and two Maine Arts Commission grants. She received an MFA from Maine College of Art. View more of her work at micheldroge.com.

Vinzani is director of the Book Arts program at UMM. He received an MFA in printmaking from Indiana State University.

The exhibit and workshop are made possible by a grant from the Libra Foundation. Proceeds from any sales will benefit Downeast Recovery Support Center and the Health Equity Alliance.