AIO Food & Energy Assistance announces the opening of the 4th Annual ArtFeeds: Artists In Action Against Food Insecurity exhibition and online silent auction, taking place September 6-13, 2025 at Page Gallery in Camden. The event will showcase a collection of wooden bowls and, new this year, platters shaped and donated by Maine State Correctional Facility’s industries program, and decorated by well-known Maine artists. Each artist interprets sharing food and fighting food insecurity in their creative style on each bowl. 

The exhibition will open on Saturday, September 6; the online silent auction also opens on September 6 and runs the length of the exhibition, culminating with a reception on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 4 - 6 p.m., at Page Gallery (final bids due by 5 p.m.). The exhibition is free and open to the public. All funds raised from the online silent auction will go to support AIO’s programs. 

Participating artist Laura Waller said: “AIO restores my faith in the basic goodness of people. When we have, we share. When we can, we help. That is the definition of community. AIO embodies that. That is why I feel honored to participate.”

“I am so happy to participate in ArtFeeds this year,” said artist Karen Talbot. “In part, this is because, as a scientific illustrator, my work is firmly based in community, conservation and sustainability—all traits embodied and promoted by AIO since its founding in 1990. My work involves creating accurate representations of species to be used in identification guides, scientific journals, museum signage, and the like. In most cases, my illustrations are used by communities of people—birders, divers, hikers, and the like—who care deeply about the ecological communities they treasure and in which they live and recreate. It is my hope that my illustrations, and the illustrations of other scientific illustrators (my community), help people become better observers of the natural world and provide new lenses that promote an important dialog about the conservation of species and the habitats those species inhabit. When we see the world through new lenses, we have an opportunity to help create a more sustainable planet. I’m looking forward to my ArtFeeds bowl becoming a different kind of lens through which this community might consider the rich marine ecosystem that is such a part of life here in Midcoast Maine, while at the same time supporting the vision of a hunger-free community.”

“Learning about this ArtFeeds Project felt like an invitation to a community get-together, a pot-luck of sorts, where efforts, nourishment and comfort could be shared amongst neighbors,” said artist Jennifer Peppe. “I see each artist’s unique bowl or platter representing how individuals can make a positive difference, especially when working together. I’m just happy that my art can serve others. 

"Animals and nature are my true inspirations for artmaking," said Peppe. "As with this piece, I often work with acrylic paints. I chose to honor the regal Sweet Pea, a beloved resident of Peace Ridge Sanctuary in Brooks, Maine, as my subject. Here she is munching on lush greens while her solar glow elevates her earthly status to one of divine beauty and peace.” 

2025 participating artists include Annie Bailey, Nancy Benner, Hannah Berta, Susie Brandt, Beth Bull, Richard Chalmers, Caroline Dishop, Chip Dort, Chloe Egan, Ingrid Ellison, Hélène Farrar, Brenda Free, Ileana Appleton Foster, Brenda Free, Nancy Glassman, Truth Hawk, Alanna Hernandez, Eric Hopkins, Rachel Houlihan, Alexis Iammarino, Ariana Killoran, Sarah Lee, Amy Lowry, Nathaniel Meyer, Tara Morin, Colin Page, Jennifer Peppe, Leecia Price, Avery Reed, Margaret Rizzio, Sarah Sevier, Anneli Skaar, Carol Sloane, Douglas Smith, Michael Stasiuk, Catherine Steiner-Adair, Barbara Sullivan, Karen Talbot, Laura Waller, Peter Walls, Tyler Weeks, Penny York, Ashley Zipp, and residents from six units of the Maine State Correctional Center.

Artists’ creative process and artist statements are being shared on AIO’s social accounts: @aiofoodpantry (Instagram) and @AIOFoodpantry70 (Facebook).

Links to all artists’ works, bidding instructions, and additional information about AIO Food & Energy Assistance can be found at www.aiofoodpantry.org/artfeeds.

AIO Food & Energy Assistance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing vital assistance to individuals and families in need. Through their various programs, including food, energy, weekend meals, and diaper assistance, AIO strives to alleviate the hardships faced by vulnerable community members. By fostering community engagement, collaboration, and support, AIO empowers individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and overcome adversities.