LEWISTON.- The Bates College Museum of Art and 217 Films announce the world premiere of the Marsden Hartley documentary "Visible Silence: Marsden Hartley, Painter and Poet."

Connecticut-based independent film makers Michael Maglaras and Terri Templeton of 217 Films produced the film. Written, narrated and directed by Mr. Maglaras, the premiere of this hour-long documentary will be hosted by the Bates College Museum of Art at the Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell St., with screenings at 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25.

Admission will be free but tickets are required. For reservations or more information call 207-786-6135 or email olinarts@bates.edu.

Lewiston Mayor Laurent Gilbert will introduce the 7 p.m. screening.

Earlier that day, a 9 a.m. press conference will be held at the Bates College Museum of Art officially proclaiming Sept. 25 as Marsden Hartley Day. This proclamation issued by Governor Baldacci urges all citizens to recognize the achievements and contributions of this influential native son.

The Bates museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Hartley artifacts, and "Visible Silence" features many pieces from this extensive archive, including drawings and photographs. Featuring more than 43 paintings and sketches by this American master, and drawing heavily from his poetical works, this documentary captures the essence of Hartley -- long considered one of the fathers of American Modernism.

In May, a painting by this Lewiston, Maine-born artist sold for $6.31 million, setting an auction record at Christie's in New York for an American modernist work, overtaking a record previously held by a work of Georgia O'Keeffe.

Hartley was deeply attached to his hometown, Lewiston, and to the Androscoggin River, and locations in and around these areas play a key role in the film. Hartley traveled extensively, but always returned to Maine and, at the end of his life, considered himself “Maine’s Painter.” He requested his ashes be strewn along the Androscoggin when he died; and this important and poignant moment is dramatized in "Visible Silence."

A national tour of "Visible Silence" is planned for 2008-09. Next stops include:
Oct. 9 – Abromson Center Hannaford Hall, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine
Oct. 30 – Coolidge Corner Theatre, Boston, Mass.
Nov. 13 – New Britain Museum of Art, New Britain, Conn.