Sustenance is both a verb (to sustain) and a noun. The history of the word stems from the Latin to hold up, to bear; and the French to support, aid, in the context of a means of living.  Portland Public Library and Side x Side announce an exhibit exploring the theme of sustenance. SUSTENANCE, on view in the Library’s Lewis Gallery May 5-July 15, 2023, is curated by local artist Lin Lisberger, and Bates College professor Myron M. Beasley. The exhibit will showcase work from local and out-of-state artists with a focus on three elements: food, water, and containers. The exhibit is an invitation to ponder the concept of sustenance, particularly given the recent lived realities of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the increased awareness of inequality in opportunity, race, income, and food security.