The Omer Exhibit
Artist Susan Bakaley Marshall, MPS, has a master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute. The exhibit now on display at the Michael Klahr Center reflects both her personal connection to and the resilience of the Jewish ritual of Counting the Omer. The artwork displayed were created by a process called Touch Drawing, a simple yet profound process in which paper is placed over wet paint and the pressure of fingertips on the page forms images. There is a spiritual aspect to using this method since one uses their hands directly on the paper, allowing what wants to be revealed to come through. Susan is passionate about experiencing this form of expression with others, discovering the creative spark we all hold within, enabling us to live richer and fuller lives. The exhibit shows nine examples of the forty-nine paintings, one for each day of the Omer, that Susan was inspired to create. We hope you will visit the HHRC to see the exhibit and learn more.
A Photography Exhibit
We are delighted to present a new exhibit, Behind the Lens, featuring the photography of Jack Montgomery, who for more than two decades has documented the lives and stories of Maine Holocaust survivors. His portraits capture moments, expressions, delight while also glimpses of the humanity and resilience of those who endured unimaginable loss but survived, rebuilt their lives with family, friendships, meaningful work and close friendships. These 'out-takes' from the more formal portraits on display in the Michael Klahr Center are a celebration of our founders. Drawn from Jack’s original proof sheets, the portraits reveal moments of trust, reflection, laughter, and connection between Jack and his subjects. They invite visitors to engage with history personally, reflecting on the power of photography to capture an essence, a moment and a life.
A newly published book
From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of the Survivors is Jack’s just-published book showcase the portraits and survivor stories. Writes Jack, “The things we save can become the means for our recovery. I am moved by every aspect of these stories … And I am forever grateful to the survivors for giving us this record, which no amount of denial or historical revisionism can ever erase. We are in their debt.” With gratitude to a very generous donor, these books will be distributed to schools that teach students in grades 6-12, as well as public libraries throughout Maine. The content is also available online and may be copied by schools and teachers for educational purposes only. If you would like to buy a copy of the book, please email us at info@hhrcmaine.org.