Thirty-nine Maine photographers from Kittery to Sorrento and from Bangor to Blanchard are exhibiting images of trees in “Branching Out,” curated by CMCA curator emeritus Bruce Brown at the UMVA Gallery within the CTN5 TV Station, 516 Congress Street in Portland. The public is invited to the opening reception Thursday, July 7 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Presenting 54 works in a wide variety of historical and contemporary photographic mediums are Michael Alpert, Jeremy Barnard, Roberta Baumann, Bruce Brown, Cole Caswell, Tillman Crane, Dan Dow, Gifford Ewing, Carol Fonde, Barbara Goodbody, Jay Gould, Elizabeth Greenberg, Tonee Harbert, Cig Harvey, Larry Hayden, Tom Hibschman, Diane Hudson, Ella Hudson, Knapp Hudson, Jim Kelly, Dorie Klein, Michael Kolster, Leslie McVane, Leonard Meisselman (Wiscasset), Arno Minkinnen, Jane Page-Conway, Chris Pinchbeck, Skye Priestly, John Ripton, Ni Rong, Dianna Rust, Dana Strout, Jan Pieter van Voorst Van Beest, David Wade, Todd Watts, Tm Whelan, Deanna Whitmore, Shoshannah White and Jay York.

“Simply put, ‘Branching Out’ celebrates the natural world of trees. But the tile refers to less obvious interpretations as well. While 12 photographers are Portland residents, 27 represent seventeen communities along the Maine coast. The exhibition reaches out to include many photographers who are not current UMVA members,” said guest curator Bruce Brown.

“Participants represent a wide range of photographic mediums including 19th century techniques such as platinum palladium and tintypes to current digital processes. Personally, the roots of this exhibition represent my first specific curatorial exploration of trees which are such a constant presence in all our lives that it has been far too common to overlook the profound aesthetic pleasures trees have to offer.”

The exhibition continues through Saturday, August 27. Gallery hours are Mondays 12- 5 p.m. and Tuesdays - Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 2-5 p.m. or by appointment.