The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Art Gallery will present For the Love of Art: Selections from the Carl and Alice (Graves) Hitchcock Collection through September 2022. The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the Opening Reception on Friday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. This reception is being held in conjunction with the Presque Isle First Friday Art Walk. The Reed Gallery is located on the second floor of the University’s Center for Innovative Learning.

The Carl and Alice (Graves) Hitchcock Collection is a collection of over 350 works of art, which have been on long-term loan to the University through the generosity of Mars Hill native David Hitchcock since 1995. The collection features works in a wide variety of styles and mediums, with an emphasis on artists who have a strong connection to the state of Maine. Mr. Hitchcock’s intent was that the works of art be shared with both the campus community as well as the general public. Several of the works are or have been on display in public areas throughout the UMPI campus.

Many renowned Maine artists, including Frederick Lynch, Natash Mayers, Eric Hopkins, Edwin Gamble, Ellen Gutekunst, Margaret Leonard, Richard Baron, amongst others, are represented in the collection.

“The Hitchcock Collection features a vast array of important works by significant artists, many of whom have a strong connection to Maine,” Reed Art Gallery Director Frank Sullivan said. “In familiarizing myself with the collection, I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces with the UMPI community and visitors to the Reed Gallery.”

Sullivan said this new show has lots of variety to offer.

“The exhibition includes everything from the Classical realism of Thomas Nadeau to the large, non-representational Abstract Expressionist works of Richard Baron. There are a few quite large paintings in the show, as well as many small, intimate pieces,” Sullivan said. “The exhibition includes oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, etchings, lithographs, wood engravings, drawings, and multi-media pieces. It’s a wide-ranging show that art lovers won’t want to miss.”

All are invited to view For the Love of Art: Selections from the Carl and Alice (Graves) Hitchcock Collection through September, and to come out to the First Friday Art Walk on Sept. 2 and take part in the free reception (6-8 p.m.) and brief gallery talk by Sullivan.

The Reed Art Gallery is located on the upper floor of the Center for Innovative Learning in the heart of the UMPI campus at 181 Main St. in Presque Isle. Regular gallery hours during the academic year are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m. The Reed Art Gallery is closed on Saturdays and holidays.

For more information, contact Gallery Director Frank Sullivan at frank.sullivan@maine.edu or 207-694-1920.