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The ����ֱ��’s Portland Art Gallery will present an exhibition titled “Coyote Connections” from October 9, 2014 to January 15, 2015.

The exhibition features works by 32 Maine artists who celebrate the coyote and its relationships with the wild, the land, fellow wildlife, prey, families (mates, pups and parents), and with humans as well.  The works include sculpture, drawings, photographs, prints and paintings created in styles both figurative and abstract.   

Native Americans have long revered the coyote for its ancient wisdom, spirituality and wily adaptability.  In many Native American cultures, the coyote is serves as the trickster character of folklore. 

The works on display are the powerful expressions of a group of talented Maine artists, who seek to capture the coyote’s play, pain, and joy as well as its connection to urban dwellers, rural folk and farmers, those who hear Coyote’s song and those who do not.

Artists include: Susan Amons, Donna Asmussen, Michael Boardman, Mary Brennan, Sandra Crowell, Squidge Davis, Evelyn Dean, Evelyn Dunphy, Kathleen Fox, Anne Garland, Melissa Glendinning, Gretchen Halpert, Forest Hart, Carolyn Heasly, Glenn Hines, Janice Kasper, Richard Brown Lethem, Jacqueline Malony, Mark McCollough, Judith Mitchell, Leslie Moore, Linda Murray, Jean Noon, Mary Beth Owens, Rebekah Raye, Jessica Rhys, Linda Shepard, Elizabeth Starr, Gwen Sylvester, Lisa Tremblay, Helen Warren and Carole Whelan.

This exhibition is a unique collaboration of art and science and is the inspiration of conservation biologist Geri Vistein.  It is co-curated by Anne B. Zill. 

An Opening Reception will be held on October 9, 2014, 5-7 p.m. at the Art Gallery.  ����ֱ�� Environmental Studies Assistant Professor Noah Perlut, Ph.D., will introduce the research video that he and his students prepared, showing the coyote’s nocturnal eating behavior in the Biddeford Campus fields.

There will be a series of six separate educational programs to reach all ages, to inspire us and enrich our lives with an understanding that our humanity is connected to all life on this planet.

Educational Programs:

October 14, 2014, 7 p.m.:  A musical medley of original songs inspired by the lives of Maine Coyotes, and created by Maine composer, songwriter and musician Elizabeth Starr with the Montsweag Musicians.  Interspersed will be readings of poetry and prose.  Visitors are invited to bring their own poetry and stories as well.

October 23, 5-6:30 p.m.:  Maine resident Cynthia Simon will offer “Encounters with Coyote: One Women’s Journey,” discussing coyote migration, pack behavior, vocalizations, predator-prey relations, competition, and identification.  Adults, young adults and school groups welcome.

October 26, 1-2:00 p.m.: Songdog Puppeteers will present “Coyote and the Boy, Ben,” a puppet show with handmade marionettes.  This is a story of a mother Coyote searching for her little pup, who has run off to play with a butterfly, and a boy named Ben who has found himself in the forest after joyfully following a bunny.  Suitable for children of all ages.

November 5, 5-6:30 p.m.: Conservation biologist and co-curator Geri Vistein will present “Coyote ~ America’s Songdog,” detailing Coyote’s long history, ecology, social life and relationship with other wildlife and the ecosystem as well as with humans. Visitors are invited to share their own stories and dialogue about the interrelatedness of all life.  All ages welcome.

December 16, 5-6:30 p.m.: An Artists’ Panel in which a number of the artists will discuss their work and coyote connections in a holiday setting.  All ages welcome.   

January 15, 5-6:30 p.m.:  Vera Francis, a Passamaquoddy educator, environmental activist, community planner and transforming Wabanaki storyteller and bard performer, will present her animal wisdom stories with regalia, including coyote mask.  Suitable for all ages.

The exhibition, opening ceremony, and all educational programs are free and open to the public.

The ����ֱ�� Art Gallery is located on ����ֱ��'s Portland Campus . Art Gallery Hours are Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun, 1-4 p.m., Thurs until 7 p.m. and by appointment.

For information , visit the Art Gallery website  or contact Anne Zill by phone (207-221-4499) or email.