July 5 – July 13
About the artist
Born in 1954 and raised in Damariscotta, Maine, Keith Plummer’s life has been marked by trauma. After his nephew Mike (who had been victimized by childhood sexual assault) died of an overdose in 2006, Keith – desperate for an outlet – turned to art-making for the first time.
Largely self-taught, Keith became proficient in a range of sculptural media, including wood, bone, and metal, on his own, occasionally taking workshops to explore new techniques. Influenced by Indigenous art from both East and West, his works serve as talismans of protection and safety.
In his practice, Keith has transmuted pain into beauty, finding healing from decades of accumulated trauma along the way.
exhibition events
OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, July 5, 4:00-6:00 PM
Puddle Dock Village School, 275 Head Tide Road, Alna, ME
Celebrate the Festival’s kick-off with the opening reception for Keith Plummer’s exhibition at the historic Puddle Dock Village School. The event includes live music by Castelbay, an informal gallery conversation at 5:00 PM, and light fare provided by Rising Tide Co-op.
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
Castlebay, the duo of Fred Gosbee and Julia Lane, will perform at the opening reception from 4:00-5:00 PM.
Keith Plummer using the repoussage technique in his studio.
REPOUSSAGE DEMONSTRATION
Sunday, July 6, 1:00-4:00 PM
Puddle Dock Village School, 275 Head Tide Road, Alna, ME
In much of his work, Keith Plummer uses repoussage, an intricate metalworking technique that forms relief designs by hammering out or pressing thin metal from the reverse side. Experience the process firsthand at Puddle Dock Village School, where Plummer will showcase his technique while engaging with gallery visitors.
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
JOURNEYS END, JOURNEYS BEGIN
Tuesday, July 8, 5:00-6:30 PM
The Peace Gallery, 112 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME
Through art, poetry, and personal testimony, a mother and doctor recount a young man’s life—his warmth, struggles, and overdose—in a powerful story of trauma, love, and resilience. A deeply human reflection on loss and healing, followed by a community conversation.
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
Alison Hartman, whose son died of an overdose, and Shapir Rosenberg, her son’s doctor and her collaborator on this performance.
Maine Youth Thriving program in action.
THRIVE TOGETHER: HOW CREATIVITY & CONNECTION BUILD YOUTH RESILIENCE
Wednesday, July 9, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Alna Meetinghouse, 1789 Alna Road, Alna, ME
Presented in collaboration with Maine Youth Thriving (MyT), this event invites you to connect, create, and imagine a future where all youth can thrive. Join us for a day of hands-on experiences, performances, and conversations as we share insights from MyT, spotlight youth-focused programs working in Midcoast Maine and beyond, and highlight youth voice through art, music, and more.
Free and open to the public. Registration and program details coming soon.
ART & RESILIENCE: A SHARED EXPERIENCE
Sunday, July 13, 3:00-5:00 PM
Alna Meetinghouse, 1789 Alna Road, Alna, ME
How does art help us endure and transform hardship? Laetitia Brundage, Cody Mower, Keith Plummer, QueenEarth, and Maya Williams use their creative practices as anchors in the face of adversity and trauma. Join us as they share their writing, music, and art, then converse with the audience on the power of creativity in healing and resilience.
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
Maya Williams, Portland’s seventh Poet Laureate, will share original work during the event.
Singer Jenny Jordan performs at the closing reception.
CLOSING RECEPTION
Sunday, July 13, 5:00-7:00 PM
Puddle Dock Village School, 275 Head Tide Road, Alna, ME
Celebrate the conclusion of Keith Plummer’s exhibition with an evening of live music by Alna-based singer Jenny Jordan and light fare and drinks provided by Rising Tide Co-op.
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
Acknowlegements
Thank you to Maine Youth Thriving, dedicated to fostering resilient communities through education, partnerships, and trauma-informed practices, enhancing community well-being, for supporting this exhibition and associated programs.
Thank you to Rising Tide Co-op, a trusted community resource for high-quality, natural, sustainable foods and goods located in Damariscotta, for in-kind catering for Keith Plummer’s opening reception.
Puddle Dock Village Festival is a Studio B Project
Studio B uses arts and humanities to support community justice and wellbeing. We seek to empower marginalized and isolated populations through art experiences, exhibitions, and community programs that address pressing social issues, while also highlighting our shared humanity. Learn more about Studio B here.