The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Art Gallery will present Artist as Teacher from Paintings and Prints to Puppets by Carolyn Wadman, from April 2 through May 11, 2018. The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the Gallery Reception on Friday, April 6, from 5-7 p.m., which includes a talk with the artist at 5:30 p.m.; light refreshments will be served. This reception is being held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk. The Reed Gallery is located on the second floor of the University’s Center for Innovative Learning.
Wadman is a lifelong educator in arts, having taught art classes in the U.S. Army and for many years in the Limestone Community School. She believes that diversity of knowledge in various areas of visual arts is important to the understanding of student differences and helping to inspire each to his or her potential, as, for most, visual expression is the first form of communication.
“I consider this exhibition to be a celebration of diversity…” Wadman stated. “Respecting diversity is more important than ever in our present lives where we ‘waste and throw it away,’ ‘divide ourselves into uncompromising positions,’ ‘lack empathy and respect for others’… As educators, we can help to turn this around, respecting our differences as we celebrate the diversity in our lives.”
Wadman earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has studied a wide range of art mediums, including printmaking and sculpture at the Pratt Institute in New York, jewelry design at the University of New Hampshire, and ceramics at the Herron School of Art in Indiana.
She has participated in exhibitions at the Farnsworth Museum, the Blaine House, and the New York City Crafts Gallery, among many others. By invitation, she created an angel ornament for the Blue Room White House Christmas tree during the first year of President Clinton’s administration.
“I am excited to have the Reed Gallery present this show by Carolyn,” Hyrum Benson, Reed Art Gallery Director, said. “She has been an inspiration for many students and current artists. Her work showcases a wealth of knowledge and will provide viewers with a unique opportunity to experience a lifetime of art through the lens of her career in teaching.”
All are invited to view the show between April and May and to come out to the First Friday Art Walk on April 6 and take part in the free reception and artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. In addition, this show will be open during the First Friday Art Walk on May 4 from 5-7 p.m. Please follow gallery happenings on the Reed Gallery Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ReedArtGallery.
The Reed Fine Art Gallery is located on the second floor of UMPI’s Center for Innovative Learning and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gallery is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and University holidays. For more information about this event, please contact Reed Gallery Director Hyrum Benson at (207) 768-9441 or hyrum.benson@maine.edu.