Aubert Hall Art Installation Set for October 29

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756

ORONO — A Portland artist will install a glass sculpture in front of Aubert Hall at the University of Maine Saturday, Oct. 29, a “Percent for Art” project included as part of the Aubert renovations.

Portland mixed media artist and photographer Shoshannah White has created an illuminated, three-dimensional, 4-foot-by-4-foot glass cube with a panoramic photograph of an American elm tree imbedded. The work was commissioned by a committee that reviewed proposals from several Maine artists as part of the multi-phased Aubert renovation project, which has been done over the last decade.

White’s piece “is a beautiful three-dimensional piece that has low lighting and the image of an elm tree,” says Lavon Bartel, a retired longtime Cooperative Extension administrator who still serves the university in a variety of ways. She helped coordinate the selection process for the Aubert artwork.

Aubert is home to the UMaine Chemistry Department, School of Marine Sciences and Native American Studies.

François Amar, chair of the Chemistry Department, says the renovations greatly improved the ambiance in Aubert, using natural light to create bright open spaces in the building.

“We have a bright, cheerful and comfortable space,” he says. “It feels like a good space to be in. Employees find it a nice place to come to work.”