The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Fine Art Gallery will present Pictures, Postcards, and Plates: Souvenirs of Presque Isle’s Past, presented by the Presque Isle Historical Society, from Dec. 5, 2014, through Jan. 10, 2015. The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the Opening Reception, on Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m., which is being held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk.

Presque Isle Historical Society is responsible for numerous initiatives to educate the Presque Isle community about its past. The PIHS has one operating museum under its care, the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum. While Estey House focuses on the Estey legacy, the PIHS has a much wider array of artifacts to share with the community. Pictures, Postcards, and Plates: Souvenirs of Presque Isle’s Past is an exhibition that has traveled a number of locations and will end its tour in the Reed Gallery. This particular venue will feature pieces not seen at other locations.

Pictures, Postcards, and Plates: Souvenirs of Presque Isle’s Past will present selections from the historical society’s collection, featuring maps from 1870, 1887, and 1894. Postcards show scenes from around town, including the University (formerly the Aroostook State Normal School). Souvenir dishes feature the St. John’s School, Presque Isle High School, and more. The collections of dishes and plates display a wide array of colors, styles, and patterns.

“Part of the Reed Gallery’s mission is to feature local artists and art work,” Reed Gallery Director Heather Sincavage said. “This exhibition is unique because, in many cases, we do not know the artists featured in the collection, but nonetheless, they are a beautiful reflection of Presque Isle’s past.”

Kimberly R. Smith, Secretary and Treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society, curated the exhibition. Smith, a recent New England Museum Association Community Role Model Awardee, will conduct a gallery talk during the Dec. 5 exhibition opening reception at 5:30 p.m. Her talk will focus on how Presque Isle was a travel destination during the mid to late 1800s.

The public is encouraged to come out to First Friday and attend this free event. Light refreshments will be served. For more information about the Presque Isle Historical Society’s collection, museum, and programming, please see their website: www.pihistory.org.

The Maine Humanities Council graciously sponsors this exhibit.

The Reed Fine Art Gallery is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and University holidays. For more information about this event, please contact Sincavage at 768-9442 or heather.sincavage@maine.edu. Please follow gallery happenings on the Reed Gallery Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ReedArtGallery.