UMVA Freedom of Speech Statement/Notice

To exhibit a work of art is not to endorse the work or the vision, ideas, and opinions of the artist. It is to uphold the right of all to experience diverse visions and views. Should controversies arise from the exhibition of a work of art, we welcome public discussion and debate with the belief that discussion is integral to the experience of art. Consistent with our fundamental commitment to freedom of speech, we will not censor exhibitions in response to political or ideological pressure.

Freedom of speech is the foundation of our communities and our nation. The works The UMVA exhibits may awe, illuminate, challenge, unsettle, confound, provoke, and, at times, offend. We defend the freedom to create content and exhibit work anywhere in the world, and we recognize the privilege of living in a country where creating, exhibiting, and experiencing such work is a constitutional right.

Statement adapted from the National Coalition Against Censorship

Revised 3/16/21

Comments

Several Midcoast Chapter calls for Art

Although the following call is for an exhibit Jan 2025, the deadline to submit work is June 15, 2024. Waterfall Arts, Belfast, January 17 - February 28, 2025 A collaborative exhibition honoring the beautiful dark, night skies of Maine. With its focus on the night sky itself, (the stars, the moon, celestial phenomena, etc.), as well as depictions of all the wildlife that benefit from dark skies (such as pollinators, night frogs, birds, etc) and the artistic interpretation of “dark skies as a metaphor- -we envision a dynamic show of paintings, photographs and other artworks that celebrates and encourages the appreciation of the night sky. JURORS: Nancy Hathaway, (President/Co-founder of Dark Sky Maine); Liv Kristin Robinson (photographer); Emily Sabino (painter) & Arlene Jurewicz Leighton (photographer). SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 15th, 2024 Submission Contents: (Please read carefully and follow instructions) • Provide us with the following info in an MS Word Doc: • Your name and con

In Balance/Imbalance

“In Balance/Imbalance” July 3rd to July 29th Reception Friday July 7th 4-8 ‘In Balance/Imbalance at the UMVA Portland Gallery inside the Portland Media Center at 516 Congress Street is a collaboration between the Maine Arts Journal and the Union of Maine Visual Artists Portland Gallery. Over thirty UMVA artists works will be displayed. The artists have interpreted the theme in multiple mediums. All the works are accompanied by text explaining their interpretation. All of the works displayed will be in the Summer edition of the Maine Arts Journal where the concept of how we see our world as “In Balance and “Imbalanced” is furthered explored. Hours The Portland Media Center 10-5 Monday-Thursday Gallery hours with artist docents are scheduled: Friday 4-8 Saturday 1-4 Sunday 2-5* these hours are by chance due to PMC filming schedule

Sheltered in Place - a Pandemic Art Show

The Covid pandemic reshapes our lives. It continues to strip down our existence, separating us from loved ones and exposing weaknesses in our system of governance and our political leadership. It demonstrates the devastating impact of the nation's grave social injustices. Systemic racism and socioeconomic disparity put oppressed peoples at greater risk for Covid-19. Then, on May 25, as many of us bunkered inside our homes, we witnessed the cold-blooded murder of George Floyd. This videotaped tragedy and the eruption of Black Lives Matter protests across the nation revealed the depth and breadth of racism in America. It is a contagion every bit as present and virulent as the coronavirus. In the face of both existential challenges – pandemic and racism – we can only recover through radical social change. The images and words of UMVA artists in this online exhibition surface from the isolation and compression of life in the pandemic. The works express personal and universa

Search This Blog