Amy Bellezza will show her work in a solo exhibition at the USM Glickman Family Library (5th Floor Gallery) from Jan. 14 to March 21. “Protecting the Farm: On Vegetarianism” will be on view from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sundays.
The conceptual photography exhibition showcases digital, analogue, color and monochrome images.
“In my conceptual artistic exploration, I delve into the intricate relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom, questioning the ethical and spiritual dimensions of our choices,” Bellezza shares. “The focal point of my latest creation is a powerful image of a farmer wielding a rifle amidst a backdrop of barnyard animals. This composition serves as a visual metaphor for the complex interplay between our agricultural practices, the defense of life, and the preservation of souls.
“The farmer, a symbol of human agency, stands as a guardian figure, tasked with protecting the souls of the barnyard animals. The juxtaposition of the rifle, traditionally associated with harm, against the pastoral setting challenges viewers to confront the paradox inherent in our treatment of animals. It prompts contemplation on the dual roles we play as both custodians and potential threats to the creatures we share our world with.
“This piece is a reflection on the choices we make regarding our sustenance and the impact these choices have on the lives and souls* of the sentient beings we coexist with. The composition advocates for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with animals and the moral implications of consuming their flesh. While emphasizing the importance of allowing animals to live out their natural lives rather than becoming trophies of gastronomy and prideful achievement.”
She also notes the lens flares on the animals in her work represent their souls.
For more information, go to amybellezza.com, or email amybellezza@gmail.com.
Dowling Walsh Gallery Opens 2026 Season with Solo Exhibitions by Artists Lauren Fensterstock and Jacob Bond Hessler
Sidle House Gallery in Freeport opens its 2026 season with “Anne Hebebrand: A World That Is,” a solo exhibition of cold-wax and oil paintings on view May 1 through June 13. An opening reception is May 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition draws from seven years of Hebebrand’s work, which she describes as […]
Waterfall Arts in Belfast is showing “Make Your Mark,” an immersive, community-driven exhibition in the Clifford Gallery through May 29. The opening reception was held April 18. Conceived by program director Amy Tingle, the show draws inspiration from street art and the call-and-response nature of public creative expression. The exhibition features participatory installations including doodle […]
Centre Street Arts Gallery in Bath will hold its spring reception May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring work by the gallery’s 22 member artists. Centre Street Arts Gallery is at 11 Centre St., Bath. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Email centrestartsgalleryllc@gmail.com or call 207-442-0300 for more information.
Artemis Gallery in Northeast Harbor opens its 15th season with a group exhibition and reception on May 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. The show features work in stone sculpture by Obadiah Buell, woodblock print by Nicole Herz, oil paintings by Liddy Hubbell and David LaPalombara, photography by Parker Stewart and bronze sculpture by Rebekah […]
The Kittery Art Association, in collaboration with the York Public Library, presents “Eleven Views from Here,” on view May 2 through June 30 at the York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York. An opening reception is May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition features selected works by 11 KAA artists representing the […]
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland will open “By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth” with a public reception on May 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibition runs May 2 through Oct. 16 in the Hadlock and Wyeth Study Center Galleries, with additional programming in the Wyeth Center from June 13 through […]
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The Maine Crafts Association will present STITCH: Runway Show + Style Market on June 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Maine Studio Works, 170 Anderson St., Portland. The annual fundraising event celebrates Maine’s slow fashion designers, textile artists and makers. Six Maine-based designers will present original handcrafted wearable work in a live runway show […]
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