First Friday Gallery Opening - Detritus: works by Kate Gerwig and Jill Dalton

Gallery Opening: Friday, February 6 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On view at performances and other public events until March 1, 2026.

FREE to All Ages

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Detritus: A two-woman show constructed from neighborhood trash

works by Kate Gerwig and Jill Dalton

Kate Gerwig and Jill Dalton are two artists living in East Bayside, one of Portland’s most littered neighborhoods. Responding to the refuse in their immediate environment, they find treasures in others’ trash. While their work looks very different, they both use discarded materials to ask questions about our consume-and-dispose culture and its impact on our surroundings. They are both making things that are literally “products of our environment.”

What is the relationship between our throwaway lifestyle and the way we interact with each other? How do we judge each other’s lifestyle choices? Who deserves access to health and safety? Why do we throw anything (people and things) away? And where is “away” anyway?
Both artists’ making process begins with the collection of found materials. They arrange and play with these scavenged items then fasten them into assemblage sculptures. Kate is working with plastics and contemporary packaging awash with bold colors. She employs hand-stitching as her method of assembly. Jill is innately drawn to earth-toned elements of wood and metal that have been weathered, rusted, excavated, or washed up on shore. She employs metalsmithing and woodworking tools and techniques of joining with cold connections and hardware.

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The exhibition opening will also celebrate the book launch of Foundlings, a collaboration that began in 2023 between sculptor Jill Dalton and poet Megan Grumbling, which resulted in twelve sculptures and twelve poems written in response. Many of the works and corresponding poems are included in this exhibit, and copies of the book, designed by Beth Taylor with images of all twelve sculptures and poems, will be available for purchase at Mayo Street Arts. During the February 6 First Friday opening, a brief reading of some Foundlings poems will happen around 6 pm.

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PAY WHAT YOU CAN

No one will be turned away from MSA events for lack of funds. Please use this online form or contact MSA at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org to learn more and reserve tickets. Our box office staff are also happy to help at the door, pending availability!

EVENT PARKING

Free on-street parking is available in Mayo Street Arts’ neighborhood.

There is one paid parking lot conveniently located a six-minute walk from the venue: Top of the Old Port Parking (119 Pearl St, Portland ME 04101)

Mayo Street Arts is accessible by Greater Portland Metro bus routes with nearby transfer points 7, 9A & 9B. Click here to learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY

All performances and most other events held at Mayo Street Arts are wheelchair accessible. There are two accessible spots directly in front of our building, however there is not yet a curb cut out at that location.

If you would benefit from additional information or accommodations, we invite you to contact us at info@mayostreetarts.org or 207-879-4629.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Audience members — in addition to artists, staff & volunteers — who feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness should stay home out of respect for others.

SEATING POLICY

We will save your reserved seat until showtime, at which point any unclaimed seats may be offered to other people. Please call our box office at 207-879-4629 if you are running late.

CANCELATION POLICY

MSA has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.