The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Fine Art Gallery is sending out a call to Aroostook County artists for drawing submissions that will be considered for inclusion in a juried exhibition connected with a statewide drawing initiative.

The “Just Line” exhibition – meant to feature local talent and to be displayed in the Reed Gallery during its 2010-2011 regular season – is one of many exhibitions that will take place throughout Maine in 2011 as part of the Maine Drawing Project. More than 20 institutions are participating in the statewide project, each presenting an exhibition associated in some way with drawing. Organized by the Maine Curators Group, this is the first time a statewide initiative concerned solely with drawing in its many forms and mediums has been undertaken.

While many exhibitions across the state will feature works from the permanent collections of Maine galleries and museums, the exhibition at UMPI’s Reed Gallery – to take place from April 4 to May 14, 2011 – is more community-focused. Reed Gallery Director Sandra Huck conceived the idea of a juried exhibition so that the drawings of northern Maine artists could be featured in the gallery as part of the statewide drawing project.

“I thought it was time to feature Aroostook County artists in this highly visible way and let their work serve as the focal point of this region’s participation in the Maine Drawing Project,” Huck said. “We have so much talent here and I want not only to showcase that but also to ensure that the gallery connects with as many of these artists as possible.”

The Reed Gallery’s call for entries is open to all established and emerging artists in Aroostook County. It is also open to local college and university students. Submission deadline is Oct. 15, 2010. All drawing media will be considered. Jurors for this project will be the faculty members of UMPI’s Fine Art Program. Selected artists will be notified the week of December 6, 2010.

To download an entry form and detailed instructions, visit http://www.umpi.edu/files/home/pdf/just-line.pdf.