Photograph of a old and rusted white pan an pitcher with red rims.

Dan Dowd: Found and Gifted

How do we breathe life and context into an inanimate object?  Assemblage as a medium is defined as art made by bringing together disparate elements, often everyday objects that have been found by the artist, in order to create something new.  More often than not, these found objects have been discarded, no longer viable in their original use and lacking a personal or emotional attachment.  The object’s opportunity for reinvention emerges when it is found and transformed into something else to create new meaning.

Found and Gifted explores the role of the artist in relation to found objects, their presence and process, and the conversion of the object into a work of art.  Including galvanized washtubs, rubber, wool, velvet, and other found objects, Dan Dowd’s reverence for the object and his ability to transform what might be considered beyond use into personal “portraits” skillfully illustrates the idea that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Opening reception Saturday, October 16, 6-8.  Open to the public, advance registration required, click here to register!


Dates: October 9, 2021 - March 6, 2022
Participating artists: Dan Dowd
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Photograph of a fabric rectangle with red and brown at the bottom and on top with a green, black, and red checkered fabric.
Dan Dowd, Untitled , 2020, Found and gifted fabric
Photograph of two pieces of jean fabric hanging from a wooden bar. There are two yellow work gloves stapled to the bar.
Dan Dowd, For George Floyd 3 , 2020, Denim, leather gloves
Photograph of a fabric rectangle with a plaid dark grey fabric, red center fabric with gold detailing, and a silk gold-brown top.
Dan Dowd, Gerard, Gerry, Gibby , 2020, Gifted silk velvet, drape, wool blazer
Photograph of the inside of a rusted grey bucket holding a teal canteen with a handle and silver top.
Dan Dowd, Milk Milk Lemonade , 2007, Galvanized washtub with thermos
Photograph of a fabric rectangle of red velvet fabric and a large tube rubber wrapped around its center.
Dan Dowd, Untitled , 2017, Found velvet, truck tire rubber
Photograph of two old pieces of signs, one rusted and one wood, nailed together. The metal sign reads 'No Trespass...'.
Dan Dowd, Untitled , 2017, Found shingle, metal
Photograph of molted grey fabric in two rows in a rectangular shape. On each row there are two black loops.
Dan Dowd, Untitled , 2019, Found boots
Photograph of a red fabric square with solid red on the bottom and black and red checkered on top.
, Maine Social Distancing , 2020, Found wool