MAKING IT PUBLIC: WHY PUBLIC ART MATTERS

A free lecture open to the public - This promises to be an interesting, enjoyable and enlightening evening.

Thursday, July 24 at 7pm

Christina Bechstein, artist and Maine College of Art professor will give a 40-minute lecture. Professor Bechstein will share slides showing examples and perspectives of public art around the world and in her own creative practice.

Phil Harriman, board member of the Maine Center of Creativity will emcee.

Christina Bechstein is Assistant Professor of Sculpture at Maine College of Art where she teaches courses in Public Art, Community Collaborations and Art for Social Change. She is also a practicing artist whose work focuses on landscapes and the way we as human beings interface with them. As an artist, her public installations, including "Growing Fence" and "Sodadi", have investigated the role of art in place making and community building. She is committed to artistic and creative processes that convene diverse community members in the act of co-creating and transforming public space.

Directions to South Portland Community Center: From the North
South on 295 to Exit 4; from ramp take immediate exit on right (to Rt. 77/Lincoln St./Knightville). Go thru 4-way stop to next traffic light, turn left then get into right lane. At next light turn right onto Evans St. Take 3rd left onto Nelson Rd.

From North and Mall Area
South on 295 to Exit 3, turn left onto Westbrook Street, turn left onto Broadway at next light, follow Broadway to right turn onto Evans St., take 3rd left onto Nelson Road

From the South or North on Turnpike
Take Exit 45 (formerly Exit 7), go through toll to end of road intersecting with Rt. 1, turn left, be in the right hand lane at the Dairy Queen, bear right at this light, keep Willows Restaurant on your immediate right. Proceed to 2nd traffic light, turn right onto Evans St., take 3rd left onto Nelson Rd.