The Stier Family Gallery, on the library’s lower level, hosts exhibitions that offer great variety of media, topics, and artists that educate, inform, or entertain the community. Information about our current exhibit is below, followed by information on how to apply to exhibit your work in our gallery.
Currently on Display
Gyotaku
The Japanese Art of Fish Printing, by Nate Garrett
April 1 – 30, 2025
Selected images from the exhibit
(Click on each image to view the entire print.)
Nate Garrett’s work is grounded in the tradition of Gyotaku, Japanese fish printing, and draws upon traditional and experimental printing techniques. His minimalist compositions present subjects in isolation, inviting viewers to engage through the unique prism of their own experiences and memories.
The stark realism and thoughtful use of space and color have drawn comparison to 18th century Japanese painter Itō Jakuchū. Nate gained international recognition in 2023 with appearances on TV Tokyo and participation in a group exhibition at the Hall of Awa Museum in Tokushima, Japan.
In2024, the Maine Maritime Museum hosted “Kindred Tides,” his solo exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Bath, Maine and Aomori, Japan. That same year, Downeast Magazine profiled Nate in their “Best of Maine” issue. You can learn more about Nate on his website.
Nate lives and works in South Portland. He will do a Gyotaku demonstration at the library and talk about his work on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Nate’s show can be viewed in the Stier Family Gallery throughout the month of April.
Information for Prospective Artists/Exhibitors
The Stier Family Gallery consists of two wall display areas (with a rail/cord hanging system) and a large display case divided into 5 segments. More detailed space plans are available in the gallery application.
- All interested artists are strongly encouraged to make a site visit prior to submitting a proposal. Artists are able to use part or all of the gallery space available. Please note, if an artist is only using part of the space (i.e. only the display cases), another artist’s work may be displayed elsewhere in the Gallery.
- Any interested party in utilizing the gallery must submit an application to the Library Director.
- Applications are accepted any time of year. Exhibits are scheduled on a “first come, first serve” basis. Please note that at times of high demand, the gallery may be scheduled months in advance.
- Given the public viewing of the gallery, the subject matter of any show must be appropriate for children as well as adults, therefore explicit images are not permitted in gallery shows. The Library Director reserves the right to reject or remove any material(s) that seem incongruent with the public nature of the gallery. In the event that the Library Director rejects or removes any material(s) for exhibit, that decision is final.
Click here for more information or to apply!