Maine artist Ryan Kohler shares his thoughts on Shimmy, a new piece for Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk, Maine.
Ryan Kohler – Videos of Stories and Insights.
Ryan Kohler- THE BLOG – Artist Insights and Stories
Maine artist Ryan Kohler shares his thoughts on Split Sky, a new piece for Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk, Maine.
Ryan Kohler – Videos of Stories and Insights.
Ryan Kohler- THE BLOG – Artist Insights and Stories
Maine artist Ryan Kohler shares his thoughts on Fawn, a new piece for Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk, Maine.
Ryan Kohler – Videos of Stories and Insights.
Ryan Kohler- THE BLOG – Artist Insights and Stories
A big welcome to Artist, Ryan Kohler.
Kohler is one of Maine Art Hill’s recent additions, joining the gallery full-time last fall. A Maine native, Kohler has no qualms about inviting visitors into his studio. He is also more than willing to share exactly how “the magic” happens.
This is the first in a series of videos from Ryan. Enjoy and reach out if you have questions or need help purchasing one of Kohler’s new pieces. Email at info@maine-art.com
Ryan Kohler – Videos of Stories and Insights.
Ryan Kohler- THE BLOG – Artist Insights and Stories
As the holidays come to a close and January hits us with its full force of resolutions, early sunsets, and cold weather, we thought it was a good time to share what artist Jill Matthews is doing to keep her flow going this winter, and year-round.
Many of us know Matthews as an artist and a mom with a passion for where she lives. What many do not know, she is a runner, marathoner, RCCA certified running coach, soon to be USATF certified coach and creator of SISU MAINE.
“I created SISU MAINE to share my love of running and the power which it hold,” shares Matthews. “It is more than just a website, it was created as a place to become inspired, supported, and ultimately evolved.”
By definition…
SISU (n.) Extraordinary determination, courage, and resoluteness in the face of adversity. An action mindset that enables individuals to see beyond their present limitations and into what might be. Reaching beyond observed capacities, Sisu is an integral element of Finnish culture and a universal capacity for which the potential exists within all.
“I love running. Like a loyal friend, it has drifted in and out of my life at varying intensities but has always been there. No matter where life takes me it’s something I can count on. It lifts me and makes me the best version of myself,” says Matthews. “Running for me is so much a part of my day. Everyone has something that holds them together. A daily walk, a quiet cup of coffee, a moment of meditation…we all have something that grounds us, for me, it’s running.”
As a child, Matthews was given a stopwatch for her birthday. She has a very clear memory of hitting the button and sprinting off.
“I felt so fast, I probably wasn’t, but that isn’t the memory that stands out. My memory is one of freedom, strength, endless possibilities,” explains Matthews. “If I can be this good today, I can be better tomorrow. It’s a beautiful thing when we can test our limits, at any age and in lots of ways.”
Someone recently asked Matthews how she can run distance, and wondered how she didn’t find it boring. Here response…it’s anything but.
“So much happens when I’m out, and it’s different every day. Some days I’m reflecting and working out conflict, other days my mind is open, and I’m actually working on my art,” explains Matthews. “I notice the way a structure looks against an interesting sky or the change in color and texture of the landscape as the seasons shift.”
Her favorite days, however, are when the run is a challenge and she is 100% focused on the task at hand.
“That’s the amazing thing about distance running or racing, it takes such focus and control. Knowing when to steady yourself, and when to push. Even then, there are the moments when things get hard no matter how much you have prepared for them,” shares Matthews. “That’s when the idea of Sisu comes in. Pushing past discomfort and doubt and going to a place you didn’t think you had. It is strength and power despite the odds. Ideally, I will always be a runner even long after my body has decided differently.”
Click here to visit Jill Matthews passion page SISU MAINE
Click here to see our entire collection of Matthew’s artwork. JILL MATTHEWS – ARTIST PAGE
Click here to read more about Matthews, her art and her inspiration. JILL MATTHEWS – STORIES AND INSIGHTS
No matter what, this season does seem to revolve around gifts. Shopping and buying and wrapping and giving and of course receiving. We also realize the amount of happiness generated from giving, far outweighs the happiness from the receiving. We also realize the gift of a smile, a kind word, or asking how someone is can make a big impact when given with sincerity. Smushy? Yes, but true.
With that said there are so many galleries to choose from, so many places in Maine and beyond to visit. Yet from day one, almost 30 years ago, owner John Spain has focused Maine Art Hill has been the experience.
With this, we welcome you to come to experience Maine Art this Holiday Season and into the new year.
Yes, it is the giving season. Yes, art is always a great gift to give.
The Small Works show is being held on the first floor of The Gallery at 14 Western Ave. This is a collection of small pieces by Maine Art Hill’s artists perfect for holiday gift-giving. Small pieces are a special treat for us, as many of our artists normally work on much larger canvases. This is a coveted collection of your favorites on a smaller scale.
Due to the nature of this show, these pieces sell quickly, and we encourage you to come in and see them soon. Remember if you know and love an artist already, we can always help you purchase over the phone and have work shipped or picked up later in the month. When you click on an image from the show it will tell you if it is SOLD or not. If you can see the price, it is still available.
We will be open every day through Christmas Prelude at 10 AM. Hours will fluctuate but we will be extending normal hours to accommodate the crowds for the busier evenings. Please call to check if you need it. 207-967-2803.
Studios on Maine Art Hill will be open, as well. Come join us in celebrating with Sweetgrass for their Chocolate Tastings and Artist Emily Drummond who is filling the Pop-Up Gallery with wonderful coastal paintings full of color and life.
Click any of the links below to see what is going on at Maine Art Hill in December.
SWEETGRASS DISTILLERY at STUDIOS
COOKIES AND CRITICS at THE GALLERY
CHRISTMAS PRELUDE FULL SCHEDULE FOR ALL OF THE KENNEBUNKS
We are hoping that everyone has enjoyed the festival of family and friends called Thanksgiving. We here at the galleries are so fortunate and incredibly grateful. We hope each of you celebrated and are using the next few days to rest before the Christmas Prelude 2019 begins next week!
Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 15
There are events going all every day, both during the day and in the evening. Many events are new this year so check the schedule carefully. Here are a few that are happening on The Hill. Be sure to stop and visit while you are in town.
Saturday, December 7 at 1 PM-3 PM and Saturday, December 14 at 1 PM – 3 PM
Join us and many of our artists in celebrating Prelude by talking about their works in a warm and welcoming environment. Also featuring a collection of small works for the holidays.
December 3 – 16. Open everyday at 10 am.
Local Maine artist and designer Emily Drummond brings her original paintings to Maine Art Hill for her debut solo show in the Pop-Up Gallery. You may remember Emily from her feature Tourist and Town cover in July. Emily lives with her husband in North Yarmouth where she continues to be inspired by the nautical landscape. She aims to create work that has a cheerful spirit through her use of color and nostalgic Maine subject matter.
Maine chocolatier, Dean’s Sweets will be in the tasting room to lead you through a tasting and pairing of Maine wine with Maine chocolate. Stop in anytime between 3 pm and 6 pm for this tasting which takes about 15 minutes. This special tasting is $6, includes wines, spirits, chocolates, and souvenir glass.
The Kennebunk Business Association has an all-inclusive website to help both locals and visitors maneuver their way around town. Everything from parking to tickets to activities can be found on this page. https://www.christmasprelude.com. Remember activities begin Thursday, December 5. See the schedule for details.
In addition, we recommend KennebunkportMaineLodging.com if you are looking for local insight and info. It is a wonderful site to find detailed descriptions of all the events, as well as recommendations for lodging and restaurants. The owners are locals and love to share the inside scoop on how to make the most of any trip to the Kennebunks.
As always we are open and celebrating right along with you. We are open everyday at 10 am.
This year for the holidays, and all year long, Maine Art Hill is offering something new. E-Gift Cards. Gift cards you can purchase and print or email from home.
Many of you come in each year and purchase gift certificates for art for your loved ones. If you live close and want to visit, we still encourage you to come in and browse around if you would like. However, you can now go to our website and follow the simple and easy steps using Gift Up to purchase, then print or email a gift card in any amount.
It’s so easy.
Go to www.maine-art.com
Click the MAINE ART HILL GIFT CARD button on the top menu.
Choose the amount. $100 and $250 are already done for you or type in any amount wanted.
Choose who it is for – YOURSELF or SOMEONE ELSE.
Now fill in the blanks. This should be easy. Follow the steps.
If you want to print it and give it in person, choose a fun way to wrap it, or place it in a pretty envelope to mail or give away personally.
If you are emailing it to the recipient, we encourage you to reach out to make sure they received an email, just in case it went to spam, or there was a typo. The number on the certificate and the recipients’ name with be how we look this up later, so both are important.
That’s it!
If you have trouble, give us a call, and we can help, as always.
207-967-2803
Merry Giving!
Emily Drummond’s artistic style has continuously evolved but was fine-tuned while pursuing her BFA in Art & Design at Alfred University.
Growing up in Maine, she was continuously influenced by the picturesque nature of the environment around her. For much of her college career, her goal was to capture glimpses of her coastal home state while she was away in New York.
She aims to create work that is energetic and vibrant, while still evoking a welcoming sense of comfort through playful color and subjects. Emily attributes this balance in her paintings to the connection she has with Maine and her childhood.
For more info about Drummond and her work, follow this link to her website.
http://emily-drummond.com/
Let us know if you’re coming to Emily Drummond’s show on Facebook!