Opening reception: Friday, February 7, 2020, 5:00–6:30pm. Located at Maine College of Art & Design, Lobby, First floor. Exhibition on view through February 22, 2020.
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine College of Art & Design President Laura Freid is pleased to announce a First Friday reception, free and open to the public, in honor of artist-activist Mirko Ilić and THE TOLERANCE PROJECT, currently on view at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D). The opening reception for THE TOLERANCE PROJECT is Friday, February 7, 2020, from 5:00–6:30pm in the MECA&D lobby and the exhibition is on view through February 22, 2020.
In a world increasingly split by race, religion, sexuality, and national origin, THE TOLERANCE PROJECT utilizes the unique power of design to remind us what we all have in common. The initiative is meant to spark conversations about inclusion, which can only begin with a foundation of tolerance.
THE TOLERANCE PROJECT has brought a message of social acceptance to over 100,000 people in 26 countries and includes over 137 posters made by designers worldwide. The selection of posters in the Congress Street windows and the Lobby of Maine College of Art & Design represents a larger global conversation.
“I encourage our students and community members alike to take the time to experience the work and reflect on what unites us, rather than what separates us,” said President Laura Freid.
In addition, THE TOLERANCE PROJECT is being used as the foundation for the first assignment of the semester for the Junior Illustration Majors Studio class, through which students will create their own posters. The scope of the class is to introduce students to new visual problems and assignments, illustration markets and formats, and the many ways to create a narrative with illustration.
"It will be great for the students to be able to not only explore the show but also to be part of it,” said Adjunct Instructor of Illustration, Leticia Plate. “I can't wait to see what the show will inspire.”
Student work from the Illustration class assignment will be exhibited on the first floor at MECA&D from February 7, 2020, through February 22, 2020, and on view for the opening reception.
In conjunction with the exhibition and opening reception, Mirko Ilić will be giving an artist talk on Friday, February 7, from 4:00–5:00pm in MECA&D’s Osher Hall.
Lecture: Design From Right to Left; Maine College of Art & Design, Osher Hall, Second Floor
A talk by designer Mirko Ilić about The Design of Dissent, a book he co-wrote with Milton Glaser. The lecture will reveal left wing imagery created to fight right wing iconography and to support different causes around the world. Free and open to the public. Limited seating available. For more information about Mirko Ilić, visit: mirkoilic.com/about.
About Maine College of Art & Design
Founded in 1882, Maine College of Art & Design is located in the heart of downtown Portland's thriving Arts District. MECA&D offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 11 studio majors (including Animation & Game Art), Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, Continuing Studies and Pre-College. Institutes at MECA&D include the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, which offers a graduate certificate, and the Institute for Contemporary Art, which is free and open to the public Wednesday – Sunday.
About The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA&D (ICA at MECA&D)
The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art & Design (ICA), features innovative exhibitions and public programs that showcase new perspectives and trends in contemporary art. Located in stunning galleries in our landmark Porteous Building in Portland, Maine, the ICA at MECA&D presents cutting edge work by local, national, and international artists. A lively schedule of programming includes public lectures, workshops, performances, pop-up shows, events and other interventions. The ICA is a unique resource for the MECA&D community, offering insight into contemporary artistic practice, and first-hand experience with visiting artists.
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00am–5:00pm, the galleries regularly remain open until 7:00pm on Thursdays and until 8:00pm for Portland First Friday Art Walks. The ICA at MECA&D is always free. Institute of Contemporary Art
meca.edu/ica - instagram.com/icaatmeca - facebook.com/mainecollegeofart
Contact: Leah Igo Brooks, Director of Marketing & Communications; 207.699.5010, ligo@meca.edu
Page Banner: Alejandro Magallaned, Mexico (cropped)