UMaine Intermedia Art Program Launching First in Lecture Series

The University of Maine Intermedia MFA program will present its first free and public lecture, by Portland-based artist Aaron Stephan, as part of its 2011-2012 Visiting Artist series, Monday Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in Lord Hall on the UMaine campus.

Stephan (http://aarontstephan.com) works in the realms between sculpture, installation, performance and philosophy.   He seeks to explore philosophy through object instead of language, and asks what our relationship is to the world and language, not just language itself.

A conceptual artist who works from ideas to find materials that best suit a concept, Stephan earned a BFA in sculpture from SUNY Purchase College and an MFA from the Maine College of Art. His work has been shown in solo museum exhibitions, galleries and commissions.

The lectures are sponsored by the Intermedia MFA Program, which hosts a series of public lectures, performances and workshops with support from the UMaine Cultural Affairs / Distinguished Lecture Series Committee.

The aim of the series is to bring fresh and innovative ideas and voices from the professional world into the academic world, according to Sarah Cottrell, president of Intermedia Student Organization and research assistant to Intermedia MFA Program director, Owen Smith.

“By bringing together professionals, masters and experts from a wide range of fields with students, new and exciting conversations and works can emerge,” she says. “This series is open to the public and all are welcome to participate.”

The MFA program website includes a calendar, which lists a variety of events through out the academic year including the two next lectures, all free, public and scheduled art 7 p.m. in Room 100 of Lord Hall.

Monday, Oct. 3, Zach Poff (www.zachpoff.com), and Monday, Nov. 21, Rachel Bee Porter www.rachelbeeporter.com.

For more information, contact Sarah Cottrell at sarahlou.cottrell@gmail.com.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756