Sustainable Maine Economy Initiative Weds Art to Politics

by Jessica Eller

This spring has been busy for our Sustainable Maine Economy Initiative (SMEI). In April, we held a pair of amazing, energizing events.

The April 1st Fools No More Parade gathered about 150 creatively-dressed festive friends from all over Maine and the NH Seacoast. After a rally in Congress Square featuring speakers, skits and music (including an original composition about Conversion written for the event by Tom Neilson), the group gathered banners, puppets, wearable art, and instruments and paraded down Congress Street past First Friday Art Walk groups. A joyful noise was made by singers and musicians and we delighted in our stilt-walker and fire dancer. The parade ended with a drum circle in Monument Square led by members of Inanna and a potluck dinner at Chestnut Street Church.

The following Friday, April 8, around 200 people gathered at the USM Area Gallery in Portland for the opening reception of War Flowers: Swords to Plowshares art exhibit. In addition to viewing the magnificent collection of conversion-related pieces from Maine artists, we were treated to locally-produced refreshments and music, spoken word, and performance art.

USM organized a student symposium which included a panel of artists, professors and activists. The discussion centered around the role of art in politics and the role of politics in art. It provided a forum for students and community members to interact about the exhibit and discuss its broader themes.

These events excited us with their intergenerational participation, creative energy and collaboration of artists, activists, religious and community members.

Back in the PAM office, research continues along with the development of brochure and presentation materials, website redesign and radio ads. We are awaiting results of an economic feasibility study due shortly. In addition, we are booking the War Flowers exhibit at galleries in universities and libraries throughout the state over the next year. At each site, we are planning to host a community forum to discuss art and economic policy and to present our Sustainable Maine vision. We look forward to collaborating with local peace and justice groups to solicit community participation and support.

War Flowers is scheduled for the following venues:

  • Belfast Public Library (September)
  • College of the Atlantic Blum Art Gallery, Bar Harbor (November/December)
  • Camden Public Library (February)
  • Blue Hill Public Library (June)

We are waiting to receive confirmation from venues in Machias, Farmington, Waterville, Bangor and Bath. If you have a contact at a local gallery and would like to help bring War Flowers there, please contact Jessica at jellerpeace@yahoo.com or 772-0680.

We need volunteers for this program! Join a speaker's bureau, assist with developing materials, organize a presentation/discussion in your community, help us identify supportive organizations, assist with the traveling art exhibit and more! FMI: contact PAM: peaceactionme@peaceactionme.org, 772-0680.

 

Back to: Summer 2005 Peace Talk