ROCKLAND — AIO has a long tradition of harnessing the talents and innovative ideas of Midcoast Maine’s creative community to make the connection between food and art, according to AIO, in a news release. AIO is announcing ArtFeeds, Artists-in-Action Against Food Insecurity, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the community’s vibrant artists, Page Gallery and the Maine State Correctional Facility, to highlight AIO’s programs.  

Thirty participating local artists, including Eric Hopkins, Meghan Brady, Colin Page, Barbara Sullivan, and Margaret Rizzio, will create their own bowl or work with a wooden bowl carved and donated by residents of the Maine State Correctional Facility’s woodworking program. 

The collection of finished bowls will be exhibited at Page Gallery in Camden, September 3-10, with a reception and silent auction on Saturday, September 10, 2022. All proceeds will benefit AIO.  

Filmmaker David Berez and photographer Tara Rice will document artists at work and their process of creating the bowls. AIO will share the artists’ creative process on @aiofoodpantry (Instagram) and @AIOFoodpantry70 (Facebook).  

“We are fortunate to live in a vibrant art community here in Midcoast Maine,” says Joe Ryan, AIO Executive Director. “This collaboration demonstrates what we can do when we combine the unique talents and compassion of our community members to help fight hunger. ”
 

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance: 

AIO Food & Energy Assistance has been addressing food and energy insecurity in Knox County over 30 years and continues to work throughout the community to raise awareness in an effort to reach anyone who may need assistance. AIO participates in our local food system, joining food producers, distributors, and preparers with donors, volunteers, and local businesses to minimize food waste, maximize local resources, and share the abundance of food that exists in our community. 
 

AIO is experiencing rapid increases in program enrollment due to both improved program experience and challenging economic times. So far this year, there has been more than 100% increase in pantry visits. As of June,  3,397 family visits have been made to the pantry, which represents 8,881 individuals. During the 2021-2022 school year, AIO’s Weekend Meals Program provided more than 11,623 weekend packets to school children. AIO provided nearly $200,000 in energy assistance this past heating season, the Diaper Program has distributed more than 29,000 diapers thus far this year.

To learn more about AIO, please stop by and visit the pantry at 1A Gordon Drive in Rockland, Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm. More information about AIO programs, volunteering, or how to make a donation is available at www.AIO4Me.org.