The Morris Farm Trust has been gifted with a work of art from “The Rock Paintings” collection (1975-1987) by the late Joseph Fiore.

The artwork was stewarded to The Morris Farm Trust by Maine Farmland Trust (MFT), a statewide membership organization that works to protect farmland, support farmers, and advance the future of farming. It was provided to MFT by the Falcon Foundation, a vehicle created by Fiore’s estate.

Contemporary of Lois Dodd and Alex Katz and a well-known avant-garde artist during the ‘60s, Fiore divided his life between New York City and Jefferson, Maine. While Fiore is most known for his abstract compositions, his key inspiration was always the natural world — and this is where his heart lay.

"We appreciate such a generous gift and are proud to be showcasing it in our Learning Center,” said Morris Farm Trust Program Coordinator John Affleck. “The piece, entitled ‘Stone Beast,’ features a geologic abstraction cleverly resembling an ox, an image that will feel right at home in our farm gallery.”

Anna Abaldo, of Maine Farmland Trust says the gift is a perfect fit.

“We are so pleased to be able to provide this gift to The Morris Farm Trust, because they clearly share Joe Fiore’s love of nature, and work to instill this same appreciation in the next generation,” said Abaldo.

For more information about The Morris Farm, please visit www.morrisfarm.org.