Presented by the University of Southern Maine and centered on Peter Bruun’s artistic journey after his daughter’s overdose death in 2014, Even As We Grieve is an exhibition that reveals how communities of care help people endure loss, crisis, and isolation: even as we grieve, we have each other.
Alongside Bruun’s work are 60 pieces created in community workshops about the vital work of eight Portland-area nonprofit organizations, and 20 accompanying audio stories. The project includes three community events co-presented by Studio B, taking place April 16, June 25, and July 23, 2026.
Photo of panel from Peter Bruun’s “Together” series, on view as part of the exhibition.
Programs
All programs take place at Crewe Center for the Arts, 111 Bedford St, Portland, ME
April 16, 5:30–7:30 PM
Join us for an evening celebrating stories of resilience and care from EqualityMaine, Maine TransNet, Greater Portland Family Promise, and the Center for Grieving Children. The program includes live music by Lillie Pearlman, Ed Pearlman and Noah Fishman, a folk string trio with roots in Scottish, Swedish, and jazz music; informational displays about the partnering organizations; and artwork by artists connected to the Greater Portland Family Promise and Center for Grieving Children communities.
At 6:15 PM, a Gallery Conversation brings together song, poetry, and community dialogue. Light refreshments will be available, and the event is free and open to the public.
Artwork by Julie, a participant in Center for Grieving Children programs.
June 25, 5:30–7:30 PM
Join us for an evening honoring the treatment, recovery, and harm reduction communities, with art and stories from Portland Recovery Community Center (PRCC) and Commonspace. The program features live music by members and friends of both organizations, as well as informational tables and pop-up artwork by artists connected to their communities.
At 6:30 PM, an original performance by Lindsey Higgins, created with stories and participants from the PRCC and Commonspace communities, will open into a conversation with the audience. Light refreshments will be served, and admission is free and open to all.
Artwork by Jocelyn, a participant in Portland Recovery Community Center programs.
July 23, 5:30–7:30 PM
Join us for an evening celebrating stories and art from Reentry Sisters, Youth-LED Justice, and other programs serving justice-impacted people. The program includes live music, informational displays, pop-up artwork by artists connected to the justice-impacted communities, and light fare and refreshments, all free and open to the public.
Artwork by Linda Small, Executive Director of Reentry Sisters.
Audio Vignettes
Listen as participants share brief reflections on the essential role organizations partnering in Even as We Grieve play as communities of care for themselves and others.
Click to listen to Jessica on what Reentry Sisters does and how they helped her after incarceration.
Click to listen as Nicole reflects on the gratitude she felt building meaningful relationships with other women through Reentry Sisters after her incarceration.
Click to listen to how Audria navigates reconnecting with her family with the support of Reentry Sisters after her incarceration.
Click to listen to Sam share how Reentry Sisters helped her manage the challenges she faced following her incarceration.
Click to listen to Dehange on the impact of ICE, finding support through Family Promise, and turning her experience into giving back.
Click to listen to Luis share how he started with Family Promise and why his work there feels meaningful.
Click to listen to João reflect on ICE’s impact, the support he received from Family Promise, and how he now gives back through his work.
Click to listen to Niki reflect on discovering Portland Recovery Community Center as family after first receiving support there in early recovery.
Click to listen to Lindsey share on the importance of community for her sobriety, and how she finds that at the Portland Recovery Community Center.
Click to listen to how Danielle found recovery, and how the Portland Recovery Community Center is a place of acceptance.
Click to listen to Chris reflect on leaving homelessness behind and the gratitude he feels working at Portland Recovery Community Center.
Click to listen to Gianna on her journey from using to giving back as a peer recovery coach at Portland Recovery Community Center.
Click to listen to Daryl share about his finally finding community as a gay man with EqualityMaine’s Network for Older Adults (NOA).
Click to listen to Skip share how EqualityMaine helps him through ongoing grief in the wake of his beloved’s death.
Click to listen to how welcoming Rick found Commonspace to be while in active addiction, and how grateful he is to work there now.
Click to listen to Debbie’s journey from being unhoused to becoming a fierce advocate for the dispossessed working at Commonspace.
Click to listen to how Rowen’s grief at her father’s passing led her to become part of the Center for Grieving Children’s community.
Click to listen to Campbell share how he finds fellowship and purpose at the Center for Grieving Children amid a lifetime of grief.
Click to listen to Gray’s journey to accepting themself as a trans masculine nonbinary person and how they found community at Maine TransNet.
Click to listen to Nicole share her journey from a troubled youth to leading Youth-LED Justice and supporting others like her.
Partnering Organizations
Center for Grieving Children in Portland, ME, provides compassionate support and community for children and families navigating loss.
Commonspace provides welcoming spaces for people facing homelessness, addiction, and other challenges.
EqualityMaine in Portland, ME works to secure full equality and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people across the state.
Greater Portland Family Promise helps families—including immigrants and asylum seekers—find housing, essential resources, and support in the Portland area.
Maine TransNet in Portland, ME supports and empowers transgender people through community groups, advocacy, and connection.
Portland Recovery Community Center provides welcoming peer support, connection, and resources for people in or pursuing recovery from substance use
Reentry Sisters supports formerly incarcerated women with community, resources, and opportunities to rebuild their lives after prison.
Youth-LED Justice supports young people in conflict with school or the law by offering youth‑centered restorative justice and second‑chance pathways.
Acknowledgments
Even As We Grieve is presented by the University of Southern Maine’s Art Gallery program, in partnership with Peter Bruun and Studio B.
Thank you to the Onion Foundation for a grant to the University of Southern Maine in support of Even As We Grieve community programs.
Thank you to Developers Collaborative, providing community-oriented smart growth real estate development, for sponsoring the June 25 event.
