Artist’s exhibit opens at UMPI

    PRESQUE ISLE — A Maine painter, with works that have been exhibited across the U.S., will be the featured artist in an exhibit which runs Dec. 7 through Jan. 8 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.      The exhibit titled, “Old, New, Borrowed and Blue,” offers the selected works — primarily acrylic on canvas paintings — of Viki Kennedy. Kennedy is a well-established painter in Maine and has shown in galleries throughout the northeast as well as California. Her works have appeared as illustrations for several books as well as television shows and movies.  Kennedy’s paintings are known for their brilliant colors and the energy they portray.
    Kennedy describes herself as a mainly self-taught artist who began painting at a very early age. 
    “All my work is autobiographical, but nothing is painted from actual life,” said Kennedy.
    Painting spontaneously, she does not begin with a plan or idea, and often is not even sure what the work has to say until the final few brush strokes — ending with a work that contains memory or fantasy, dream or dread, using her vibrant colors to lead her along the way. 
    She currently resides in southern Aroostook County with her husband, John, but has traveled extensively throughout the country.
    “Old, New, Borrowed and Blue” represents an approximately 10-year period of work with many examples of her most recent journeys. The exhibition will be in the Reed Fine Art Gallery, Dec. 7, 2009, through Jan. 8, 2010.  There will be a reception with the artist on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the gallery. Member of the public are invited to attend. For information, call Sandra Huck at 768-9611 or e-mail sandra.huck@umpi.edu.