ROCKLAND — AIO has announced an open call for artists for the 4th annual ArtFeeds: Artists in Action Against Food Insecurity. AIO is accepting entries from March 25 through April 16, 2025, with results announced on April 21. Interested artists should submit their entry by April 16. Submission details can be found on AIO’s website, www.aiofoodpantry.org/artfeeds. 

AIO celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, so in honor of this noteworthy year 35 artists will be selected to participate. Artists will be selected based on the quality and creativity of their work, and their connection to the community.

ArtFeeds is a first-of-its-kind collaboration formed in partnership with Camden-based Page Gallery and the Maine State Correctional Facility. Launched in 2022, the fundraiser brings together the creativity of the Midcoast’s vibrant artist community, the talents of the Maine State Prison’s woodworking program, and the vision of Page Gallery to raise funds for AIO’s Food and Energy Assistance programs.

“I love this event because it brings together seemingly unconnected parts of our community who share a common goal: feeding our neighbors," says Alan Kearl, AIO Executive Director, in a news release. It is a subtle yet important fundraiser in which we see that there are many ways we can use our time and talents to help others.” 

The only creative direction given to the artists was to create something that represents the community taking care of one another with food. Artists will be given the choice to work with a bowl or a platter, which is new this year. The first three ArtFeeds events have raised over $80,000 in support for AIO’s programs.

“ArtFeeds is an exciting way for artists to take action to support our community," says gallery manager Kirsten Surbey. "AIO is an essential organization that touches so many people, and the artists who participate are eager to support it. The bowls and plates are a good metaphor for giving and nourishing, and the surface and shape are a fun challenge for artists. Each year, artists come up with creative ways to paint or collage, or build into or onto the bowls. We always look forward to exhibiting them at Page Gallery.”

The finished bowls and platters will be on display September 6-13, 2025, at Page Gallery. A silent auction will run simultaneously, culminating with a reception at Page Gallery on September 13. All funds raised will support AIO’s four programs: Food Assistance, Energy Assistance, Weekend Meals Program and Diaper Assistance.

AIO Food and Energy Assistance

Now in our 35th year, AIO provides nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. Funding and access to AIO’s programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. Child food insecurity is estimated at 17.6%. During the past year, AIO has supported nearly 1,900 unique households in the County, that’s more than 4,200 of our neighbors, or more than 10.2% of the County. AIO has distributed more than 75,000 meals to students through our weekend meals program. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps more than 500 households with heating assistance and in preventing electric power shut off – which is critical as winter ends. AIO has seen a 50% surge in demand for energy assistance vs. last year in what has been a time of overwhelming need. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.