FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2025

CONTACT:
Kristi Bryant
Community Engagement Librarian
Falmouth Memorial Library
kbryant@falmouthmemoriallibrary.org
207-781-3816
www.falmouthmemoriallibrary.org

Illustration Institute’s exhibition The Great State of Illustration in Maine opened November 8th at the Falmouth Memorial Library. This will be the traveling show’s fourth location. The Library is buzzing with excitement for this exhibit of over 90 published Maine illustrators. These include historic artists such as Dahlov Ipcar, Francis Hamabe, N.C. Wyeth and more, as well as a variety of well known and emerging contemporary artists. Maine favorites include Chris Van Dusen, local cartoonist RJ Matson, graphic novelist Rick Parker, Charlotte Agell, Melissa Sweet - the list is robust! “We are so lucky to have this treasure trove of illustrators right here in Maine,” says Gwen Creswell, Falmouth Memorial Library Development Director. Running until the end of January, the exhibition also features no-cost workshops and events led by master illustrators. Free art programming is a hallmark of Illustration Institute’s mission: to increase appreciation and awareness for the art of illustration. Library Director Jenna Mayotte says, “We are thrilled to welcome Illustration Institute to Falmouth Memorial Library and offer an exhibition of this depth and breadth to our community. We hope everyone will come to enjoy this collection of incredible illustrations, and take advantage of exciting, related programming over the next three months. The first of several programs will be by acclaimed author/illustrator Stephen Costanza, a multi-media presentation of his picture book King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin on November 19 from 5:15- 6:15pm. There is no cost to attend this program, and registration is required on the Library’s website: https://www.falmouthmemoriallibrary.org/art-at-the-library-2/ Illustration Institute’s Executive Director Scott Nash says “By exhibiting historic work alongside the contemporary, we hope our audience will experience the possibility in Illustration art and gain an appreciation for the art that was created here in the past, as well as an understanding of how illustration is vital to our culture today.” For the institute, libraries are the ideal partners for exhibitions which highlight illustration, invite adults to remember their favorite childhood books, and inspire children to read, learn and draw. Previous exhibitions have drawn up to 80,000 visitors to libraries in Maine. Nancy Gibson-Nash, co-founder of lllustration Institute points out that “because libraries are always accessible to the general public, they are the perfect venue to introduce a diverse audience to the process of illustration. Falmouth Memorial Library is a lovely space that invites visitors to explore the work displayed throughout, emphasizing the connection between illustration and the written word.” Illustration Institute was founded in 2016 and has an office in Portland and an artist residency on Peaks Island in Casco Bay, which has housed more than 160 narrative artists from around the world. The Great State of Illustration in Maine will hang at the Falmouth Memorial Library until January 31.