ɫƵ Art Gallery in Biddeford presents ‘Light and Shadow: Motherhood, Creativity, and the Discourse of Ability’

Wind Seeker 2024 by Alicia Ethridge.
As a part of the exhibition, "Wind Seeker," 2024, by Alicia Ethridge, will be on display.

The will exhibit “Light and Shadow: Motherhood, Creativity, and the Discourse of Ability,” a series of works by five artists, from May 31 to Oct. 20. 

The collection includes artwork from Alicia Ethridge, Jodi Ferry, Amelia Garretson-Persans, Celeste Henriquez, and Cozette Russell with text by art historian Virginia Rose. The exhibit highlights the creative practices of artists who are mothers of children with developmental or physical differences. 

“Light and Shadow” focuses on creative processes as part of the family dynamic, specifically related to women’s experiences as artist-parents, in the context of a conversation around disability. 

“Work in the exhibit reflects the practice of each artist in a wide creative sense without always directly referring to family,” remarked Hilary Irons, director of galleries and exhibitions at ɫƵ. “Creative work is by necessity a reflection of an artist’s life as a whole. ‘Light and Shadow’ is a way to honor families, mothers, artists, and creative practice.” 

This exhibit is presented in cooperation with the ɫƵ School of Education in recognition of the University’s recently renamed . This program prepares students to become special education teachers and is an approved program for preparation for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities (282) Endorsement in the State of Maine.

An opening reception will be held at the gallery, located in the Jack S. Ketchum Library on ɫƵ’s oceanfront campus, on Friday, May 31 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the artwork is viewable from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Jack S. Ketchum Library is located at 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford. 

For more information, contact Hilary at hirons@une.edu.