Speers Gallery at Kennebunk Free Library will present “Plumbing the Vapor” by Erik Howell in July. The exhibition, featuring abstract oil, ink and charcoal works on paper, will run July 1-31.

According to a news release, “Howell is a self-taught artist who has shown his work at numerous venues in the greater Portland area, such as Blue, CIA Café, and the Maine Art Hill Gallery. He will show a diverse collection of his best work over the last decade, coinciding with him having achieved sobriety.”

While his ongoing journey in recovery in part informs his work, it is not the primary theme. Howell said the theme can best be expressed as, “attempting to explore the hidden and unknowable of our reality while being constantly reminded of the limits of our means to do so.”

He said, immersing himself in his work sustains and enriches him and he savors opportunities to discuss art with those interested.

The public is invited to view the exhibit in Speers Gallery from July 1-31 at 112 Main St., Kennebunk, during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. For current hours and gallery access, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.