“Explore Immigrant Stories Through Comics at ‘Historias de Resiliencia y Esperanza’”

Location: Burton M. Cross Building | Dates: June 1 – Oct. 25, 2024

Reception: Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 3:00 p.m. | Room 102, Burton M. Cross Building

The Maine Arts Commission, in collaboration with Assistant Professor Sandra Bernal Heredia from Colby College, is proud to present Historias de Resiliencia y Esperanza y (Stories of Hope and Resilience), an exhibition highlighting the immigration experiences of Hispanic Heritage students from Colby College.

In the fall of 2020, Colby’s Spanish Department introduced the Hispanic Heritage Track to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. As part of this track, students explored their bilingual and bicultural identities by interviewing family members about their immigration journeys. Using the Pixton platform, these personal stories were transformed into compelling comic book narratives, with students taking on the role of historians, synthesizing oral histories and turning them into illustrated storytelling.

Comics provide a powerful medium to express deep emotions, memories, and experiences, including the complexities of immigration and cultural transition. By bringing these migration stories into the public realm, this exhibition shines a light on personal histories that are often kept private, fostering greater understanding and empathy within the broader community. This is an important step in the collective healing process.

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with Us
Historias de Resiliencia y Esperanza is part of the national celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15. The month-long celebration recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to U.S. history, culture, and achievements. Join us for an in-depth discussion about these powerful stories on Tuesday, September 17th at 3:00 PM in room 102 of the Burton M. Cross Building. The exhibition will remain on view through October 25, 2024.

About Art in the Capitol
This exhibition is part of the Art in the Capitol program, organized by the Maine Arts Commission, a state agency dedicated to promoting and strengthening the arts in Maine. The program showcases the work of Maine artists across the Capitol Complex, providing an additional venue for artists working on Maine-based themes. All Art in the Capitol exhibitions are free, self-guided, and open to the public during business hours.

Visit Us
For more information, visit the Maine Arts Commission’s website:
Arts in the Capitol Program

For more information contact Program Director Danielle Moriarty at 207-287-6719.