Kennebunk Free Library

Speers Gallery
About

In keeping with the Library's mission of serving the diverse cultural, informational, educational and recreational needs of the community, the Library provides space for art exhibits. Exhibit materials may be organized and presented by the Library, members of the community, and not-for-profit groups within the guidelines set forth in the Exhibit policy below.

On April 2, 2011, the gallery was re-named the Speers Gallery in honor of Mike Speers, former Library Trustee and Friend of the Library, who was the inspiration of the Gallery.

Policies and Applications

Artists are invited to submit an application for exhibit by September 1st to be considered for the following calendar year. Please read the following policy and procedures before you apply. If you have additional questions, please call the Library Director at 985-2173.

Exhibit Policy and Guidelines

Artist Application

Currently Exhibiting in the Speers Gallery
February Artist--Mimi Gregoire Carpenter

"I appreciate and encourage curiosity – looking closely, treasuring the things that are directly before us. All that is unique or ordinary has the capacity to fill us with awe and remind us of our responsibilities to cherish and protect… I marvel at and wish to reflect in the miracle of science and the spiritual intertwined.”

Artist Mimi Gregoire Carpenter

During February, the works of artist Mimi Gregoire Carpenter will be on display in the Speers Gallery. Her exhibit "What the Sea Left Behind” is also the title of her now classic children's picture book published by Down East books in 1981. The exhibit features a beautiful and vibrant collection of opaque watercolors depicting the treasures of the Maine shoreline. Mimi will be hosting a reception on Sat. Feb. 18^th, 2:30 - 4:30 PM: the public is invited to attend.

Mimi has written and illustrated several children's picture books including Mermaid In a Tidal Pool, Of Lucky Pebbles and Mermaid's Tears. She has traveled to schools throughout the state as an Artist in Residence with the Maine Arts Commission. Mimi is presently working in collaboration with the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport and the Marine Animal Rescue Center at UNE on a new book about a boy who "becomes” a seal for a day.

A lifelong resident of Maine, Mimi has wonderful memories of childhood visits to the seashore. As an adult searching for her identity as an artist, Mimi was drawn back to that very same seashore. While many artists create vast panoramas of ocean and sand, Mimi's approach is to capture the minute details of small individual objects such as pebbles, crab shells and barnacles.

During her exhibit at the library, Mimi will present "Tidal Pool Trolls” on Mon. Feb. 13^th at 4 PM. The program, designed for children in grades kindergarten through sixth, will teach illustration techniques by creating Trolls from local Maine seashells. Storyboards, Mock-ups and Illustrations from Henry's Sea Glass Treasure, will be presented at both her work shop and her reception. Preregistration is required; please call the library at 985-2173 ext 5.

The Kennebunk Free Library is pleased to present the work of this very talented artist during the month of February.

Speers Gallery Schedule

Month	Artist	Medium
January 2012	KFL Archives	Mixed Media
February 2012	Mimi Gregoire Carpenter	Watercolor, Giclee
March 2012	KES/SEA Road	Student Art Work
April 2012	Sarah R. Gorham	Acrylic on Paper
May 2012	KHS	Mixed Media
June 2012	Annie Lemieux	Floral Photography
July 2012	Lucy Johnson	Oil, Watercolor, Mixed, Intaglio
August 2012	Jessica & Jason Willey	Digital Photography
September 2012	Gwen M. Page	Linoleum and Wood Block Prints
October 2012	KFL Staff	Assorted
November 2012	Carol MacLeod	Photography