2026 Annual Book Arts Bazaar
2026-04-11 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success, 35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME, 04101
Join us for the 2026 Annual Book Arts Bazaar, a vibrant community celebration dedicated to the fine craft of book arts. This unique gathering showcases the talents of regional book artists, papermakers, bookbinders, printmakers, educators, and writers, all coming together to share their passion for contemporary book arts.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of handmade books, artisan paper products, and unique prints, making it the perfect place to find thoughtful gifts, spark creativity, and engage in meaningful conversations about the rich traditions and innovations within the field. Whether you are a seasoned artist, an aspiring creator, there’s something for everyone at the Bazaar.

Proudly presented by the Kate Cheney Chappell ‘83 Center for Book Arts at the University of Southern Maine, this event invites the public to connect with artists and learn about the techniques that keep these cherished traditions alive. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the artistry of books and meet the people who make it happen!

What: 2026 Book Arts BazaarWhen: Saturday April 11, 2026 | 10am – 4pmWhere: McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success35 Bedford St. (2nd Floor) Portland, ME 04101Cost: FREE

Event Details
Parking is available in our University of Southern Maine Portland Garages 1 and 2 at a rate of $4.15 per hour. You may reserve your parking ahead of time via the USM Parking Interface. Additionally, the Portland METRO Husky Bus and the METRO #4 pickup/drop-off directly in front of the Crewe Center Deering Avenue entrance. An updated bus schedule can be found on the METRO website and bus fair is $2 each way.

Office Hours w/ Artist-in-Residence Peter Bruun
2026-04-15 16:15 - 18:00, 2026-04-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-22 16:15 - 18:00, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-29 16:15 - 18:00, 2026-05-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Academy Building, 100 School St, Gorham, ME, 04038, United States
Peter Bruun, Together (detail, one of 27 panels), 2022-2023. Oil on gessoed panel, 12 x 18 in.
The University of Southern Maine Art Department is excited to welcome Spring 2026 Artist-in-Residence Peter Bruun.
Working under the aegis of Bruun Studios, Peter Bruun is an artist, writer, curator, and cultural organizer whose work spans painting, drawing, publishing, and community-based art. For more than 30 years, his studio practice has fueled projects that bring art into conversation with social justice, collaboration, and collective care—ranging from exhibitions and public programs to experimental publications and artist-led organizations.
As part of his residency, Peter will host open Office Hours in his Academy Building studio throughout the spring semester. Students are encouraged to stop by to talk about artwork, creative process, career paths, organizing, or anything else on your mind. Whether you’re looking for feedback, conversation, or just curious to see how an artist works, walk-ins are welcome.
Office Hours

Wednesdays, February 18 – April 30, 4:15 – 6 pm
Fridays, February 13 – May 1st, 9 am – noon
No hours during Spring Break (March 18 & 20)
Open to all students
Academy Building, 1st Floor (100 College Ave. Gorham campus)

Come by, ask questions, and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with a visiting artist working at the intersection of art, ideas, and community.

Even As We Grieve Opening Reception
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Art Gallery, 5 University Way, Gorham, ME, 04038, United States
Peter Bruun, Together (detail, one of 27 panels), 2022-2023. Oil on gessoed panel, 12 x 18 in.

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.

"You Once Had An Aunt" opening reception
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Art Gallery, 5 University Way, Gorham, ME, 04038, United States
Join the University of Southern Maine Art Galleries for the opening reception of You Once Had An Aunt, a solo exhibition by 2026 Artist-In-Residence Peter Bruun, at our Gorham Art Gallery.

This immersive exhibition brings together 100 paintings by Peter Bruun, inspired by the birth of his grandson and the absence of the aunt he will never know. An audio collage of voices weaves through the installation, offering reflections on grief, love, and memory. At the opening reception, representatives from Loose Ends Project and the Center for Grieving Children, whose missions align closely with the spirit of this exhibition, will share their work.

What: You Once Had An Aunt opening receptionWhere: University of Southern Maine Art Gallery5 University Way, Gorham, ME 04038When: Thursday May 21st, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:30 PMCost: Free

The gallery will be open 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Thursday May 21 through Saturday May 23, and by appointment by contacting 207-780-5409 or usmartgalleries@maine.edu.

Parking is available in our University of Southern Maine Gorham parking lots G3, G4 and G6 at a rate of $1.05 per hour. Additionally, the Portland METRO Husky Bus picks up/drops off about a 3-minute walk away from the entrance of the gallery.
