Presque Isle cartoonist kicks off February exhibit at Aroostook Agency on Aging

1 year ago

This story has been updated.

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Local cartoonist Brent Dyer will bring a collection of his works to the Aroostook Agency on Aging in February for a month-long exhibit. Due to inclement weather Friday, Feb. 3, his art opening and discussion has been rescheduled to Thursday, Feb. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the Artists for Aging  gallery at the agency’s Presque Isle office.

Dyer is most well known for his comical cartoons of Aroostook County life that have been featured in the region’s weekly newspapers. His favorite medium is graphite and colored pencil, but more recently he has also been creating digital art. 

“I started out just copying cartoon characters and borrowing how-to-draw books by Lee J. Ames from the  school library,” said Dyer. “I have always, and still do, adore Norman Rockwell’s artwork. My favorite being ‘Sunset.’” 

Dyer’s earliest pieces were caricatures until nearly 10 years ago when he started creating editorial cartoons for local weekly newspapers under the pseudonym, E.A. Williams, coined after his three children, Elizabeth, Amelia, and William. 

“I got interested in caricatures and political cartoons in junior high,” said Dyer. “My first commissioned work was in my freshman year when I drew caricatures of the junior high girls’ soccer team. I like to say  that I have gotten better since.” 

Apparently others appreciate his talent as Dyer’s work has been recognized by the Maine Press  Association several times. 

Dyer grew up in West Chapman and currently lives in Presque Isle with his wife Melissa and their three children. His “day job” is with the USDA as an agricultural research technician in a potato-breeding program.

“I love being in Aroostook County just for the people,” said Dyer. “There are not many places you can say ‘Hi’ to a complete stranger and actually start a conversation.” 

Dyer will have original pencil drawings of his editorial cartoons and prints of his favorite digital cartoons  on display and for sale. He also plans to do several “live” caricatures during the Art Walk and afterwards by consignment 

Those exhibiting works as part of “Artists for Aging” have generously donated 20 percent of their sales to support programs and services offered by Aroostook Agency on Aging. For more information, please call the Agency on Aging at 207-764-3396 or 1-800-439-1789.