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
George & Susan Mason’s House, 123 Borland Hill Road, Nobleboro, 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. Sponsored by Healthy Kids.
Free and open to the public.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Alison Hartman and Shapir Rosenberg collaborate 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
Sponsored by Hearty Roots, 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, 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.
PROGRAM DETAILS
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.
PROGRAM DETAILS
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.
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
Acknowlegements
Thank you to Hearty Roots, a youth development organization that mindfully fuses social-emotional wellness with nature connection, for their sponsorship of our July 9 program.
Thank you to Healthy Kids, a nonprofit that supports children and families in Lincoln and Knox counties through education, resources, and prevention programs, for their sponsorship of our July 8 program.
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.
Thank you to Hancock Lumber, a network of building supply stores and sawmills serving contractors and homeowners throughout New England, for in-kind supplies for our exhibition installation.
Thank you to Maine Youth Thriving, a statewide initiative that centers youth voice and leadership to build healthier, more connected communities, for in-kind support of Thrive Together: How Creativity & Connection Build Youth Resilience.
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.