That Loving Gaze, by Lulu Pelletier, acrylic on canvas, 2021, depicts the face of a gray-striped house cat gazing upwards
That Loving Gaze, by Lulu Pelletier, acrylic on canvas, 2021

The Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes at the University of Maine at Fort Kent will host an art exhibit titled “A Bit of This and a Bit of That” through the end of August. The exhibit, featuring paintings of an assortment of subjects, animals, people, and outdoor vistas, showcases the work of locally renowned artist Lulu Pelletier. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Pelletier is a native of Fort Kent. Having painted from an early age, Pelletier explains, “I was encouraged by friends and family to continue learning, and as a result, I still to this day love to learn and apply new techniques from other artists.”

Noted Canadian artist Claude Picard was among her teachers. Pelletier earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. In 2008, UMFK honored her with the Gretchen Prize for exceptional industry and imagination in the Fine Arts.

Pelletier is well-known for her realistic portraits, but her portfolio includes other subjects, including scenics and animals. She works on commission and also teaches others how to find their artistry in painting. Her illustrations have appeared in a number of books.

“We’re immensely thrilled to promote and recognize local talent,” said Patrick Lacroix, director of the Acadian Archives. “Lulu’s work is expressive and joyful and always worth rediscovering.”

The Acadian Archives will host an opening reception to mark the launch of Lulu Pelletier’s exhibit, “A Bit of This and a Bit of That,” on Thursday, May 25th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The exhibit will then be open to the public during the Archives’ regular business hours.

For more information, please contact Acadian Archives Director Patrick Lacroix at (207) 834-7536.

The Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes is the premier center for the study of Acadian history in New England and serves as one of the many cultural hubs in the St. John Valley.