Even As We Grieve Opening Reception

Join the Gallery for a festive evening celebrating the opening of artist-in-residence Peter Bruun’s exhibition, Even As We Grieve. The exhibition explores how human connection helps us endure and transform experiences of pain, loss, and crisis. Rooted in Bruun’s deeply personal body of work—dozens of drawings and paintings created since the 2014 overdose death of his daughter—the project invites the University and greater Portland communities into a shared space of reflection, storytelling, and creative expression.

The evening will feature live music, refreshments, an artist conversation, and tabling from partner organizations, including:

• The Center for Grieving Children
• The Loose Ends Project
• Family Promise
• Maine TransNet
• Main Street Music Therapy
• Equality Maine

5:30 to 6:15 PM – Reception

Visit the ArtLab to learn about the Center for Grieving Children, Greater Portland Family Promise, EqualityMaine, Maine TransNet, and other information and art from community partners.

Enjoy music by Lillie Pearlman, Ed Pearlman, and Noah Fishman, a folk string trio with roots in Scottish, Swedish, and jazz music.

See the exhibition of works by Peter Bruun and art by community participants while enjoying fare catered by Sodexo.

6:15 to 6:45 PM – Gallery Conversation

Gather at the ArtLab entrance for a conversation led by Peter Bruun featuring partners and participants in the exhibition, with an opening poem by Dehange Mukinayi, and a closing song by Roby Moulton

6:45 to 7:30 PM – Reception continues, see above

This programming is made possible through a generous grant from The Onion Foundation.