Artist discusses spiritual, political and aesthetic vision for artwork in Bates exhibit

Artist and activist Betty LaDuke will give two talks and lead a participatory workshop to accompany an exhibition of her paintings and sketches, Latin American Transitions: The Art of Betty LaDuke, on display at the Bates College Chapel now through March 26.

She’ll offer her first presentation, an informal gallery talk, at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 7, in the chapel, College Avenue. Her second lecture, titled Honor the Earth: A Multicultural Spiritual Journey, will be given at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 8 (International Women’s Day), in Skelton Lounge, Chase Hall, 56 Campus Avenue. This talk will present her story as an artist who sees and portrays the world spiritually, politically and aesthetically in shades of struggle and hope.

LaDuke will lead a two-hour participatory workshop on art, activism and spirituality at 7 p.m., March 8. Preregistration is required for the workshop. The public is invited free of charge to attend the talks, the exhibit and the workshop, all sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain. For more information or to preregister for the workshop, call 207-786-8272.

To LaDuke, art and life are intimately interwoven. Her journeys around the world, particularly through Latin America, Asia and Africa, have inspired her to produce sketches and acrylic paintings that document the survival of hope in the face of great political, military and economic disturbance. Particularly moved by women’s diverse creative expressions, LaDuke’s art emphasizes the hope that fuels the struggle toward self-determination and dignity.

Focusing on the common concerns that bond people across the globe — relationships to land, food production, family and community — LaDuke’s art has explored the experiences of people in Nicaragua, Chile, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Chiapas, Mexico, among other places.

An acclaimed printmaker and painter, the Bronx-born LaDuke has spent as many years advocating for social change, racial equality, the rights of women, children and the environment.