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World Music Features Steel Pans, Gamelans • At Bates and in the Area • Better Onstage Or Served On A Plate? • Editor's Movie Pick of the Week • Festival D'art Showcases Art From Maine • Getting Acquainted With the Slut Puppies • Peck's Senior Recital Not Given Recognition It Deserves • Photographer Melonie Bennett Recounts Her Life and Experiences • Sheehan's Work to Be the Next Exhibition in Bates' Museum of Art • Slut Puppies' Potential Evident in Recent Release • The Undeniable Decay Of"The Real World" • Vh1: Why I Do Not Love the '90s • Village Club Series |
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Seilonen and over two dozen other artists, musicians and dancers gathered at Great Falls School in Auburn to showcase their art at the joint event sponsored by Bates and Lewiston/Auburn. Artists and poets, many of whom had pieces for sale, exhibited their work in the gymnasium while musicians and dancers performed live on the stage in the auditorium. Admission was free for the afternoon event, with beverages and snacks provided by Bates.
As visitors wandered around the gym, some were fortunate enough to watch the local talent in action, like Seilonen for example. Originally from Bolsters Mill, Maine, he now lives and works in Norway, Maine and devotes most of his time to teaching elderly residents at nursing homes and rehab centers how to paint. "It's fun working with these first time painters," he said "because they don't realize how talented they are and once they do, they get hooked on it. It's addictive in a good way."
Seilonen first discovered his own talent after coming home from Japan, where he served the Navy in the Korean War. He had seen a picture he really liked, but couldn't afford to buy it. "When I came home, I decided to try and duplicate the picture I had admired so much." Now, many years later, he uses art as therapy for both himself and others.
The first Festival d'Art was produced three years ago. That's when Poland Spring artist Gloria Limoges became involved. This year not only did she return, but she also brought along a friend who showcased her photography in the event. Limoges exhibited a handful of her oil pieces, but also sculpts with steel during the summer. One canvas she had for sale captured the vibrant colors of an "absolutely incredible" sunset witnessed in Rangeley, Maine. "What attracts me most to painting is color," she said.
Like Seilonen, she said she had her "hand in art for years." Sculpture and painting help Limoges look at things differently. She is fascinated about viewing life from all angles, she said.
Although certainly not the only way Bates and the community have fostered ties, Festival d'Art provided a great opportunity to strengthen these relationships. Bates senior Jason Rafferty helped organize the event, calling it a great way to "celebrate local artistic talent, culture and diversity and underscore the growing connection of college and community."
Given the enthusiasm from those featured in Festival d'Art and the visitors who came to enjoy their work, this event will likely become a tradition, continuing to attract more and more artists and performers each year.