LEWISTON — The Woman’s Hospital Association Rotating Art Gallery will feature found item art by Richard “JR” Pelletier and photography by Joan Cyr through the month of July. The gallery is located at 60 High Street in the main entrance to Central Maine Medical Center.

Pelletier, a Lewiston native and resident of Sabattus, sees pieces of art all around him. His unique vision has led him to create found item art, which transforms often forgotten items from yard sales and antique shops into creative pieces of art. His studio is small and his use of tools consists of hand tools, a drill press and a band saw.

Pelletier’s work space and vision leads him to leave surfaces of items as they are found. He hopes that his artwork will inspire others to view items differently, have their mind stirred, and plant a seed of encouragement that they too can create art. The exhibition will feature photography of Pelletier’s work taken by Jose Leiva.

“I enjoy presenting everyday items in interesting ways. I use a wide variety of materials including metals, wood, glass, leather, stone, cloth and clay. I find it key that parts “flow” together and I enjoy the challenges of layering the different materials used. I must add I’m also pleased and excited about having an endless supply of materials, said Pelletier. 

Cyr, a lifelong Mainer, resides in Auburn and has enjoyed photographing landscapes, nature and wildlife for more than 25 years. She has exhibited at area galleries and businesses, neighborhood art walks and at Maine’s premier juried photography show at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation Gallery. Her work has also been featured in Down East magazine.

In addition to photography, Cyr enjoys working with her husband in her extensive flower gardens, which are often the subject of her work.

The artists’ work may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the main lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefits CMMC.

Vaughn Falls by Joan Cyr

Photo of model-sized car made from odds and ends by J.R. Pelletier.