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| Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine |
Since the days of its humble beginnings in
1830 as the Bangor Mechanics Association, with a collection of just seven books
stored in a footlocker, the Bangor Public Library has served its community as a
place of learning and sharing, not only in the form of books, but also in the
form of exhibits, lectures, workshops, and social gatherings.
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| The Bangor Public Library displays art and artifacts from both the past and the present.
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I have known this library since I was a
child, but even to this day I feel small climbing its massive stone steps and
entering through its immense oak doorway that leads the way to a wealth of
knowledge—vast knowledge I can merely sample portions of over my entire
lifetime. I love this place!
I love the Bangor Public Library even more
when its exhibits, lectures, book signings, and other events pay tribute to
people I know in the area. With that being said, I’d like to introduce you to
Debbie Story Alexander. Over the years we have been both colleagues at EMHS and
friends, so I am delighted the Bangor Public Library recognizes her talent as an
artist. Her acrylic paintings are presently part of the library’s many exhibits.
You’ll find her work on display in the Stairwell Gallery. Other local Maine artists
with works on display are Peg Hanson in the Stairwell Gallery Display Case and
members of the Bangor Art Society in the Lecture Hall.
Pictures are worth a thousand words, so
I’ll scatter some images of Debbie’s paintings throughout the rest of this blog,
which will focus on the rekindled passion Debbie has for creating them. Her own
words and works of art tell her story best.
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| Debbie Story Alexander, Artist |
“I am not
sure if I have always had the good fortune to be surrounded by very talented
people or if I just recognize that all people have talent, they just don't
always know it or show it.
A family friend used to
have me scribble on a piece of paper and he would add some scribbles of his own
and turn my little scribble into a cartoon character or scene. Each little
scribble can be the start of an amazing painting and each person scribbling has
the potential to be an artist.
I did some drawing in high
school art classes under Christopher Pike. After high school I didn't draw very
much. I had three children and worked full time so there was no time left for
drawing or painting.”
After Debbie’s marriage of twenty-seven
years unfortunately ended in divorce in 2007, and with her children grown, she
found she had time on her hands and needed something to do. Watching her sister,
Linda Story Kam, paint made her realize it was something she missed. With the
encouragement of her best friend (and current husband) she purchased
supplies and took some art classes offered through Bangor and Hampden Adult Education programs.
She also credits her
husband, Joe, for lending a critical eye and advice, as well as his moral
support. “If I’m in the middle of a painting and can’t get the color just right,
I get input from Joe. He is very good with color. I have tried to encourage him
to paint, as well, but have not succeeded, yet. We do watch Bob Ross painting
shows together.”
Now that she’s back into
the swing of it, she is dedicated to her art. Debbie says, “I paint almost
every day. I am inspired by my grandchildren, gardens, nature, and architecture.”
You can clearly see that in her work.
If you are in or near Bangor,
Maine, it’s worth a trip to Harlow Street to check out what is happening at the
Bangor Public Library. You are sure to run into much more than a collection of
books. Debbie Story Alexander’s exhibit, Gardens, Grounds, and Children, will
be displayed at the library through the end of February. Her work is also currently on
display in the cafeteria at Eastern Maine Medical Center on State Street, also in
Bangor.
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| Paintings by Debbie Story Alexander, Maine Artist Stairwell Gallery Lobby, Bangor Public Library 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine |
Note: A
Commemorative History of the Bangor Public Library,
Seven Books in a Footlocker, is
offered for sale at the library’s circulation desk.
©
Copyright Gail J. VanWart 2013 All
Rights Reserved
Gail J. VanWart is a regular contributor to theSCENE:
