Downtown—nestled between quaint coffee shops and local restaurants—is a two-storey, classic brick building with an ever-changing rotation of vivid, intricate art. The Center for Arts & History, operated in conjunction with LCSC, is a staple of the Lewiston community. Each fall and spring, the Center hosts a new exhibition, showcasing local artists and their diverse range of specialties. Open on Tuesday through Friday from 10–5 PM as well as Saturday from 11–3 PM, the Center always invites you to stop by for a peek. This season, their exhibit is Primal Forces: Fire.
The downstairs exhibit boasts a myriad of quilt work, each differing from the last. Some are composed of bold reds and bright oranges, while others take a gentler approach with soft browns and muted blues. The thrilling collection of colors, the shimmering fabrics, and the combinations of varying textiles demand your attention. They range from comforting to provoking to inspiring, and each interprets the idea and the purpose of fire in a different way. For the most part, the pieces are united in form, color, and, of course, theme. It gives the exhibition coherence, drawing visitors further and further in until you’re entirely swept up in the story. Each piece simultaneously stands out yet blends together, making it impossible to tell start from finish. You’re simply left to experience, floating from piece to piece, seeing, but more importantly, feeling.
The upstairs is similar to the downstairs, sprawling and bathed in sunlight from tall windows, but it’s noticeably quieter—not just in terms of noise, but also in terms of sight. The displays up here are simple and understated, but no less beautiful. For this particular exhibit, the upstairs shows off the work of Connor Kelly, particularly his woodturning. Each piece is a 3D item made of charred brown wood. They take various shapes and forms; one is a tall cup similar to that of a pint of beer, and another resembles a large vase. They are delicate and imperfect, hosting cracks, holes, and uneven charring that is representative of the raging power of fire. The collection pairs incredibly well with the downstairs exhibit, contrasting the variety of vibrant, eye-catching colors with an array of soft browns charred in black. Simpler, yes. But no less impactful.
Fire, like all natural elements, can be both a force of destruction and creation, and the Center’s exhibition shows that off with beautiful clarity. Given the chance to visit, you’ll leave with a greater understanding of this mysterious element than when you entered. The exhibition runs till March 28, but rest assured, it will be replaced with a new, equally thrilling display come April 14th.