Lewiston’s Deaf Artist Empowers Community Through Remarkable Painting

A local artist has given her heart and soul to the community of Lewiston by using her talents and it has taken our breath away.

The photo was posted by Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline, to the Lewiston Rocks Facebook Page.

Local deaf artist, Miia Zellner created an incredible painting on the corner of Lisbon Street and Pine Street in Lewiston, Maine.

A multitude of community members, leaders, artists, sports teams, and schools are uniting, and lending their talents to help our city throughout the process of rebuilding after the life-altering tragedy that occurred on October 25th, 2023.

Of those 18 lives lost, according to NPR, the tragic events at Schemengees Bar & Grille, were a devastating blow to the Lewiston deaf community. This resulted in a massive loss of four cherished members: Billy Bracket, Bryan MacFarlane, Joshua Seal, and Stephen Vozzella.

According to Mayor Sheline, Miia painted 18 hot air balloons in honor of the 18 lives tragically lost in the largest incident of gun violence in Maine's history.

This is a remarkable example of how our city and state is coming together to remember the sacrifice of the brave men and woman who lost their lives that day. It will take us all a long time to start to process, but seeing the never-ending love, humanity, and goodwill is awe-inspiring

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