AUGUSTA —  Donald L. Patten, of Belfast, is one of seven graduating Art students of the University of Maine at Augusta who will exhibit their senior thesis artwork in the Charles Danforth Gallery on UMA’s Augusta campus in an exhibition entitled Trust the Process. The exhibition will open at noon with a public reception immediately after Commencement on Saturday, May 4.

Trust the Process reflects the evolution of each artist’s concepts and work over the past semester, using the tools of self- and faculty-critiques. Exhibiting artists include Emily Allen, Julia Dry, Des Dumais, Bruce Forbes, Donald L. Patten, Sophia Reyes, and Jared Winslow. 

Patten is a draftsman, oil painter, and ceramicist. In the past, old master painters would depict historically significant disasters that happened to them to cope. A student of the old masters, Donald has made a series of drawings that represent his pandemic experiences by referencing past masterpieces that depict the embodied experience of trauma. After graduating, he will display oil paintings and ceramic artworks at several art markets around Maine before pursuing an MFA degree.

Trust the Process is on view from May 4 - May 23, 2024, and the public is welcome to visit the gallery in Jewett Hall, which is open on Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The UMA community and the general public are invited to the opening reception and artist talk on May 4, at noon. 

Follow the Danforth Gallery on Instagram and Facebook @UMADanforth and on their website: danforth.uma.edu. 

Along with Patten are:

Emily Allen (Gardiner, Maine): Emily Allen is an aspiring illustrator who works primarily in 2-dimensions with media ranging from graphite and paint to digital drawings. Over the past three years, Emily developed a story that she is translating into a graphic novel. Several completed pages for this novel, along with a myriad of her preparatory sketches for this work are on view in the exhibition.  After graduation, Emily will pursue a master’s degree in illustration, eventually publishing her complete graphic novel.

Julia Dry (Hallowell, Maine): Julia Dry is a mixed media artist who primarily works with sterling silver, enamel, and copper to create sculptures and jewelry pieces. While the subject of her work is often changing, her love for color has stayed consistent. Julia’s process centers experimentation and research to better understand her chosen materials. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree after graduation.

Des Dumais (Fort Kent, Maine): Des Dumais is a tattoo artist.  She moved from Fort Kent to Augusta to pursue her dream of being a tattoo artist. Her fine arts education has given Des the tools and knowledge to excel in her career.  Des creates tattoos that not only adorn the skin, but also resonate with the spirit within. Each session is an opportunity to forge a connection, leaving a mark that transcends the physical and becomes a part of the wearer's identity.

Bruce Forbes (Philipsburg, Pennsylvania): Bruce Forbes is a photographer who moved to Augusta long ago for work reasons.  He focuses on portraiture, but also engages in landscape photography, especially scenes from the Kennebec River and the city of Augusta.  Bruce also pursues street photography during warmer weather.  He brings his training in composition and color to his photographic work. In addition to his portraiture and landscape work, he hopes to photograph a series centered upon truck stops this summer. 

Sophia Reyes (Houston, Texas): Sophia is an interdisciplinary artist residing in Maine. The Houston, Texas native primarily works with photography, digital art, and printmaking. With photography being her first love, she centers her printmaking practice on captured memories using the aid of digital tools and traditional printmaking techniques to bring these images to life. Her work explores the themes of home and identity through the navigation and reflection of personal narratives and experiences of a first generation Mexican American.

Jared Winslow (New Sharon, Maine): Jared is a mixed media artist who works primarily with inks, gouache and watercolor to create fine drawings and illustrations. Jared's works feature a wide range of subjects, but one consistent theme is his passion for nature and plant life. His artistic process involves finding inspiration by immersing himself in natural environments, sketching intricate details, and then experimenting with compositions. His approach allows him to layer materials. After graduation, he hopes to pursue his master’s degree.

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