Renowned Maine artist Judy Taylor recently visited Auburn Middle School to give an artist’s talk and presentation for eighth-grade students. Taylor, best known for the mural she was commissioned to paint for the Maine Department of Labor in Augusta, spoke about her artistic process and historical research in completing the large, 11-panel piece.

Students learned about direct connections between the artwork and the labor history of Lewiston-Auburn workers. The experience tied into the AMS eighth-grade art curriculum and an upcoming unit on community and public art.

“I’m delighted our art students had this exciting opportunity to hear a professional artist discuss their work,” said Heather Libby, AMS art teacher. “Because Judy Taylor based her paintings for the Maine Department of Labor mural on historic events from Maine’s history, this presentation really connected learning in art, social studies, and even language arts.”