Illustrations by a Biddeford artist are on display at the University of New England in Biddeford. Courtesy image created by Jefferson Coniaris

BIDDEFORD — An exhibition of artwork by local artist Jefferson Coniaris is on display at the University of New England’s Biddeford Campus Center now through Feb. 17. The exhibit, “Event: Terminus,” a showcase of the first 17 pages from the artist’s illustrated book of the same name, tells the story of a woman as she tries to survive a zombie apocalypse.

The graphic novel, still a work in progress, follows the protagonist, Alex, as she migrates from town to town gathering supplies to survive the catastrophe, haunted by memories of her father, a lineman who was her first encounter with the zombie virus.

Coniaris is a 2008 graduate of the Maine College of Art & Design. His work primarily encompasses comics, caricatures, and coloring/activity books utilizing a variety of media including pen, ink, marker, and digital coloring. A successful freelance artist, Coniaris has self-published a handful of comic and coloring books and continues to make art daily.

“Growing up, I was hooked on comic books, superheroes, and Saturday morning cartoons, and, in the past, I drew superheroes and PG-style cartoons,” Coniaris explained. “But, toward the end of my college years, I branched out and started working on art that was more adult-themed, so my style evolved and matured as I did.”

Coniaris said he settled on illustration because it gave him freedom as an artist.

“With illustration, your images can be more easily shared, and more people can view your art,” he remarked. “In the broad range of illustration, art can be funny, it can be scary, it can be thought-provoking — it can really be whatever you want it to be.”

“Event: Terminus” is free and open to the public. Masks are required indoors for all visitors to UNE’s campuses. The Campus Center is located at 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, Maine. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.