“Weight of Worry” 24 X 24 inches, encaustic on panel, by Helene Farrar. Contributed photo

Artist Hélène Farrar of Manchester plans to present a solo exhibition titled, “What We Carry” at the Maine Jewish Museum, 267 Congress St. in Portland. On view from Jan. 9 to Feb. 25, the exhibit will display more than 20 paintings exploring “the weight of burden”.

Hélène Farrar in her studio. Photo by Dave Dostie

She writes in her news release, “We react and respond to the world without one breathe in between. We don’t see the someone next to us. That someone could be carrying with them an entire room-full of drama, a deep disconnect to others, severe loneliness, or a radiant joy that could spread like wildfire. Where has it become our nature to engage before listening or looking?”

Though Farrar is known for her bold and textured nature-inspired paintings of trees, critters, birds, and flowers, these “What We Carry” paintings carry the same sense of play into deep introspection, and a response to the current social climate and culture. All works of art are painted in the ancient medium of encaustic, a molten beeswax paint dating back to the Ancient Egyptians.

“I am so honored to share my work at the Maine Jewish Museum. It could not be more fitting to exhibit this work there too, as it ties close to the heart of human nature. I also feel so fortunate to work with Curator Nancy Davidson, who really is an extraordinary gallerist and an icon of Maine Art. It is such a pleasure.”

Farrar is known locally as a teaching artist at her farmhouse studio in Manchester. She shows her work nationally and has been invited to participate in many exhibits, some of which include the Saco Art Museum, and the Art Complex Museum. She is a Teaching Artist for the Farnsworth Art Museum and has taught across New England, some of which include Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. She recently released her first illustrated children’s book, “The Deer Man.” Farrar is represented by Archipelago Fine Arts, Rockland.

An artist reception is set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, and an artist talk at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23.

For more information, visit HeleneFarrar.com, call 207-485-5691 or email helene@helenefarrar.com.

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