The Reed Art Gallery at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is proud to announce the opening of a dynamic new exhibition showcasing the creative achievements of alumni from UMPI’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program. The exhibition, Roots and Wings: Celebrating the Work of UMPI Fine Arts Alumni will open Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, and remain on view through Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the opening reception, which is part the Presque Isle First Friday Art Walk, on Friday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. Artists will be on hand to discuss their work. The Reed Gallery is located on the second floor of the University’s Center for Innovative Learning.
Featuring a wide range of media, from painting and drawing to sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the exhibition highlights the diverse paths and evolving visions of graduates who continue to shape the world through art. This special gathering of UMPI alumni artists celebrates the University’s legacy of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and expressive freedom. Each work reflects a unique voice, a deep connection to place, and the ongoing artistic growth that began in the studios of Pullen Hall.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Carol Ayoob, Aimee Beltran, Karrie Brawn, Jami Cass, Miranda Cole, Jordyn Gardner, Brianna Gerrish, Amanda Giberson, Shani Hardgrove, Andrea Peterson, Dylan Ouellette, Julia Sherman, and Jamie Smith.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase the work of our Fine Arts alumni in the Reed Art Gallery,” Frank Sullivan, Reed Art Gallery Director, said. “This exhibition is a celebration not only of the individual achievements of our graduates, but also of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s long-standing commitment to the Fine Arts. Our program has fostered generations of artists whose diverse and meaningful contributions continue to enrich their communities and the broader cultural landscape. As both director of the gallery and a member of the Fine Arts faculty, I am honored to help shine a light on their important work.”
The Reed Art Gallery is located on the upper level of the Center for Innovative Learning in the heart of the UMPI campus, 181 Main St. in Presque Isle. Regular gallery hours during the academic year are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 2 to 10 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.
The Reed Art Gallery at the University of Maine at Presque Isle serves as a cultural hub for the campus and surrounding community, showcasing a variety of exhibitions that promote creativity, education, and artistic expression.