Gold LEAF Institute, the senior college at the University of Maine at Farmington, plans to present “The Art Among Us²” from June 17-July 29 at the UMF Emery Community Arts Center Flex Gallery on Academy Street in Farmington. An opening reception is set for 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 17, from 5-7 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

The exhibit theme was first realized in the summer of 2018 with great success, setting an Emery record for the most visitors to a summer exhibit over the length of its run.

The 2022 display has been in the planning since last fall, after a brief hiatus due to COVID. The current exhibit features a wide variety of work by 29 local artists in acrylics, fiber, prints, sketches, photos, wood, glass and more.  

Artists participating in the current show include: Ann Arbor, Reid Byers, Frank Chin, Anna D’Epiro Cushing, Suzanne DeBiase, Patricia Duane-Chin, Michael Field, Liz Hunt, Betty Jespersen, Jo Josephson, Eileen Kreutz, Kathy Kerr, John Lovejoy, Susan McPherran, Rebecca Morin, Meredith Mustard, Janet O’Neil, Janet Plouffe, Phil Poirier, Lise Ragan, Doug Rawlings, Katherine Richards, Ray Stillman, Mark Stofan, Joe Terranova, Lyn Terranova, Marilyn Waugh, Heidi Wilde and Maggy Wykoff.

For Ann Bartges, the director of the center, this exhibition stands out as a special opportunity to showcase the deep creative energy in Franklin County.

Many of the artists will be in attendance at the opening reception. Weather permitting, refreshments will be offered on the plaza outdoors.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, visit wpsites.maine.edu/emerycommunityartscenter/ or contact Bartges at ann.bartges@maine.edu or 207-778-7461.