Lewiston is Our Hope

Please join us to celebrate the unveiling of "Lewiston is Our Hope." This project was born from conversations between Yun Loh -- a counseling psychologist and professor of community-engaged psychology at Bates College -- and a diverse community advisory board in the wake of the October 2023 mass shooting at Just-in-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant which took the lives of 18 community members. Through these difficult conversations, the collective identified a broad need for community-level healing.

Yun and a team of Bates College students hosted over 40 arts-based workshops at various community gathering places throughout the Lewiston/Auburn area. Community members represented their visions of "Hope" on small, locally-sourced wood circles and were asked to talk a little bit about what they drew and how it expresses their hope in Lewiston. Over 400 community members contributed their hope to this project, and we are beyond excited to unveil the final composite art work at the Lewiston Public Library. Food from Lewiston-based restauraunts will be provided. Local musicians will share their musical expressions of hope. Optional arts-based activities will foster conversation and (re)connection. Yun and her students will share a few words about the project prior to its unveiling. We hope to see you there :)