The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Fine Art Gallery will present The Robot, The Rooster, The Red Dress, and The Blue Indian by Jme Smith from Dec. 2, 2013 through Jan. 11, 2014. The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the Opening Reception on Dec. 6 from 5-7 p.m. The opening reception is being held in conjunction with the Presque Isle First Friday Art Walk.

Jme Smith is a local artist living in Caribou, Maine and an alumnus of the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Though he grew up in central Maine, and lived for a period of time in southern Maine, he now calls Caribou “home”—living back where both his parents were born and raised. His work is of a contemporary nature, whether doing landscapes, or his toy-inspired art. This show will introduce The Robot, The Rooster, The Red Dress, and The Blue Indian, from the third set of his “four set series”—Inspired by Toys. Smith encourages: “Children of ALL ages are welcomed!”

“When you meet Jme Smith, you know that he is one who enjoys what he does,” Heather Sincavage, Director of the Reed Fine Art Gallery, commented. “Smith’s exhibit reflects his fun-loving nature in each energetic brushstroke. His work nearly vibrates off the walls!”

This exhibit is part of the Reed’s mission to feature local, regional, and international work. Sincavage explained, “We have been so thrilled to support our local artists and show off the excellence right here in our back yard.”

Smith rounds out the 2013 calendar year after an illustrious year of work at the Reed Gallery featuring Painter Anderson Giles, Photographer Joyce Tenneson, and the accomplished basket weavers of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes.

There will be a First Friday Reception during the Dec. 6 First Friday Art Walk from 5-7 p.m. An Artist’s Talk will take place at 5:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

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.