Tuesday Talk | Arctic Observations

 

 

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) in Rockland invites the public to attend a special presentation by photographer Peter Ralston on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30pm. The well-known Rockport-based photographer, whose work is included in the current exhibition Melt Down, will present a slide talk about his voyage to Greenland and the Northwest Passage aboard a sailboat in 2016.

An engaging and informative speaker, Ralston will share his “Arctic Observations” from the journey, including stunning photographs and moving tales of the effects of climate change on the fragile ecosystem of the region.

 

 

Peter Ralston, Second Rule, 2016, Archival Pigment Print, courtesy the artist

A co-founder of the Island Institute in Rockland, Ralston is highly regarded for his iconic images of the Maine coast and island communities, which he began photographing in 1978. Many of his images have been published in the Institute’s The Island Journal, for which he served as art director until 2010. In 2003, Ralston was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree at Colby College for his photography and role in founding the Island Institute.

 

Peter Ralston, Cathedral Illulissat, 2016, Archival Pigment Print, courtesy the artist

 

Witnessing the changing environment in the arctic first-hand has inspired the photographer to take action and share his stories. He says, “The profound impact of what I saw was informed by forty years as a student of remote communities and environments. As a storyteller, I will forever carry the obligation to share what I saw there, primarily in hopes that bearing witness may in some small way help as we face one of humanity’s greatest threats to date.”

The event is free to CMCA members, others with admission. Participants are encouraged to stay following the talk for refreshments and further discussion. The “Melt Down” exhibition is on view at CMCA through June 9. For further information about the exhibition, please visit cmcanow.org.