Waterville Creates announces ‘Piecework: Hathaway Stories + Storytellers’ at Ticonic Gallery

Hathaway Project Map by Maggie Libby. Submitted photo

Waterville Creates will present “Piecework: Hathaway Stories + Storytellers” exhibition on view through Nov. 11 at at Ticonic Gallery at 10 Water St., suite 106, in Waterville.

“Piecework” documents the labor conditions and female Franco-American workers’ stories at the Hathaway Shirt Company, the last shirt manufacturer in Maine. Artist Maggie Libby’s work is inspired by Waterville native Margaret Bernier’s 1981 Colby Senior Scholar thesis, “Labor study of the Franco-American community of Waterville, Maine from 1890 to 1940,” as well as other individual stories, local histories, and publications from Franco historians and writers from the perspective of the workers at the C. F. Hathaway Company.

The exhibition is comprised of interactive components, charcoal drawings, and community-contributed photographs and memorabilia relating to experiences at the Hathaway. In partnership with Paula Raymond, a South End neighbor, and partner in the project, the exhibition continues to gather the stories of those who worked at the Hathaway, whose presence and earning power supported their local families and community businesses in untold ways.

“Maggie Libby’s use of drawing and archival work creates a bridge to the past in the here and now, allowing us to understand and honor our histories,” said Marie Sugden, exhibitions coordinator. “This exhibition is a nod to the rich history of the Hathaway building, and also a fond farewell, as we eagerly prepare to move to our new home at 93 Main Street.”

“Piecework: Hathaway Stories + Storytellers” is the final exhibition at Ticonic Gallery’s location in the Hathaway Creative Center. All future exhibitions will be held at Ticonic Gallery’s new location in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center in downtown Waterville.

A closing reception with Maggie Libby is set for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the gallery.

Gallery hours are noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit WatervilleCreates.org.