Maine. As they see it. Opens

The day a show opens is always an exciting time.  The gallery, as well as the artists, are filled with anticipation.  Of course selling a piece of work is the hope of all, but there is also the worry of having a “successful” opening night.  Can we fill the gallery? Will people enjoy the work? Will all the planning and preparation pay off? In the case of the opening of Maine. As they see it…. Yes. Yes. And, yes.

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There was not a parking spot to be had at 10 Chase Hill Road last night.  All three rooms were full to capacity, food and drink flowed perfectly next to the buzz of brush strokes and beauty, and over a dozen artists discussed their inspiration and shared their thoughts and ideas with art buyers and each other. This is success.

One buyer spent most of the evening trying to decide between two paintings, both were just as much a part of his Maine experience as the artists’. We, as a gallery, love it when this common connection happens. So many people were congregated in one space to celebrate the impact this state has on those of us that have been lucky enough to experience it. Maine just has that way. It creeps into you and forever becomes part of who you are, and our artists captured it perfectly. This is success.

As the night closed, and the gallery again grew quite, John Spain, owner of Maine Art Shows, had a moment to reflect on the evening. “There was an incredible energy in the gallery, with artists, staff and friends enjoying this remarkable show, ” said Spain. “Since opening the gallery in 1994, we have done well over 100 receptions.  I am not sure that we have ever had a one as busy as last night’s gathering.” This is success.

Near the end of the evening a short conversation was had with Kim Case, one of the artists. “When I was little I used to come here, back when it was the Gallery on Chase Hill. I dreamed of having my work on these walls,” said the creator of “Island Line”.  The smile on her face, as she looked around the room, said it all.  Maine, As they see it., is, by every definition, a success.

If you didn’t have a chance to come by the opening last night, please accept this as your personal invitation to come and visit.  We are open from 11 – 5 every day. If you are far away and want to have a chance to experience this show, visit the on-line show at Maine. As they see it.  The show will run until August 6. Don’t miss it.

Many of the artists in this show also have additional pieces at Maine Art Paintings and Sculpture down at 14 Western Avenue in Kennebunk.  You are always welcome to stop in, and the staff is more than happy to show you around.

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