The Silverlining – Captured in Paint by Artist Claire Bigbee

Posted on by Maine Art

This series will be available for Claire Bigbee’s Summer Show beginning August 10th and running through September 2nd at Shows on Maine Art Hill.

The Silverlining is a 42′ Sparkman & Stephens sloop sailboat. She was designed to race for the Commodore of the yacht club in Marblehead, Massachusetts. She was built in 1939 entirely of wood and bronze by the well respected Maine builder Henry R. Hinckley. After racing for a decade, she was owned by several families in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Silverlining is celebrating her 80th year sailing the seas.

Along with Bigbee’s new works, this show will also feature works from artists Bethany Harper Williams and Kathy Ostrander Roberts. The complete online show will be available for viewing on Wednesday, August 7th.  See the show in person on Saturday the 10th at 10 am with an Artist Reception that evening from 5-7 pm. Open to the public.

Sailing trips on Silverlining depart in season out of Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Maine. Click here FMI

Artist Wade Zahares

Posted on by Maine Art

Maine Art Hill has been carrying Wade Zahares prints for the last year, so we are so excited to add him to our Pop-Up schedule. What better time to feature this talented artist than during LAUNCH! (Yes, he created their amazing poster!) During the week of June 11 to June 17,  Pop-Up on Maine Art Hill Studios is filling the walls with Zahares’s work, prints and new original works.

Remember we carry Zahares’s prints year-round at our Fine Art Prints at Studios on Maine Art Hill. Click here to see all of Wade’s available prints.

Both a fine artist and a children’s book illustrator, Wade has always loved to draw. But it wasn’t something that came easily. “In high school, I spent a lot of time in the art room,” he says. “Other students would just sit down and draw people or horses really beautifully. I would struggle to draw.” But Wade had passion, and the persistence to back it up. Recognizing this, his high school art teacher suggested he make a career of his art. The idea quickly took hold, and before Wade knew it, he was applying to art schools.

Since graduating from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, Wade has been a full-time, professional artist. He got his start doing corporate commissions; his captivating pastel paintings, sometimes as large as 3 1/2 by 6 feet, have been commissioned by Boston Duck Tours, Bank of America, McDonald’s, HBO, Cinemax, and Family Circle and Sesame Street magazines. His work is also in the permanent collection of the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

But it’s children’s books that really nudge Wade out of his artistic comfort zone. Before Wade did books, he preferred drawing landscapes, cityscapes, and buildings. His first book, Window Music, pushed him to paint people and animals. Critics liked the result. Both Time Magazine and The New York Times cited Window Music as among the best picture books of 1998. Since then, Wade has illustrated five additional picture books, each of which challenged him in different ways. He enjoys sharing his creative process, challenges and all, when he speaks and conducts workshops at galleries and schools.

Wade works exclusively in pastel; he is drawn to the intimacy of the chalk and the ease with which he can blend colors. The magic happens in his studio, a converted shed just off his main house. The studio, equipped with 15-foot ceilings and a house gutter to catch all the pastel dust, is set on 5 1/2 acres of farmland in Lyman, Maine, just a few miles from the Kennebunk farm on which he grew up. When Wade needs a break, he goes for a drive to soak up the New England landscape—his biggest inspiration—or tends to his flowers, gardens, and fruit trees. Then he returns to his studio, refreshed and ready to make more magic.

To learn more about Wade’s upcoming week at Pop-Up on Maine Art Hill click here.

New Artists at Maine Art Hill for Summer 2019

Posted on by Maine Art

Last year was full of growth and change as Maine Art Hill, the brand, and the new buildings took shape. The 2018 Summer Season was absolutely a crazy, fun and successful adventure. So now here comes the summer of 2019, and we are sure you are wondering what exactly can be expected up here on the hill.

First thing…. too much to put into one blog post, so we are going to split it up. Stay tuned.

This week we want to feature all the fabulous new artists that joined us since May of 2018. Our family has grown.

Rick Hamilton lives in Portland and joined us full-time mid-summer last year. His story is an interesting one and his work is like nothing else you have seen here on Maine Art Hill. This is one of the reasons we are so excited to have him with us.

The motivation behind his work is making connections with people. “I love to talk about my work and to hear how it may affect someone,” shares Hamilton.  “I am a self-taught artist and all of my images are from my head. I may be having a conversation with someone and hear a saying or sentence that inspires a painting. Sometimes, it is a line in a song that puts an idea in my head.”

Hamilton joins twelve other artists as part of our summer kick-off, The 8th Annual Choice Art Show.  This show begins June 8 and runs through June 27. (Stay tuned for more details coming soon!)

Click here to see more of Hamilton’s work.

Click here to read more about Hamilton’s story.

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Julie Houck is another local artist who joined the gallery mid-summer last year. Starting with a week at Pop Up on Maine Art Hill, her work never left.

As a contemporary landscape painter working in oils and encaustics, Houck has a  desire to capture the essence of the landscape.  Her work evolves into compositions that dissolve into only the barest, most minimal components—the sky, horizon, and land.

“As an artist, I approach each painting believing that it is not enough to paint the literal view,” says Houck. “My goal is to also capture the essence of the landscape and hopefully connect you viscerally to that place and time.”

Beginning June 29, Margaret Gerding,  Ingunn  Milla Joergensen, and Jule Houck form a fabulous all-female trio at Shows on Maine Art Hill.  Their show will run for three weeks, closing on July 18.

Click here to see more of Houck’s work.

Click here to read more of Houck’s story.

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Another new addition is showing his work in The Works on Maine Art Hill. Sculptor, Kevin Keiser came to the gallery in November as part of a show in the Pop Up Gallery that featured local sculptors. Like Houck, his work never left, it just moved next door.

For this artist, it is the trial and error of forms and glazes that are part of the fun, and part of the heartbreak, of seeking new results.

“I’m not looking for the perfect piece, I’m savoring the path of discovery with all its challenges,” says Keiser. “The ethos of my ceramics is communicated through the work, and I hope my work inspires people to explore their creative energies.”

Click here to see more of Keiser’s work

Click here to read more of Keiser’s story.

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Lastly, we have Kathy Ostrander Roberts. Another local talent that found her way to us through the Pop-Up Gallery. A Kennebunk resident, we love having her so close to home and look forward to her coming summer work.

The ancient medium of encaustic is a unique and interesting process. She combines beeswax, powdered pigments, and dammar resin into her ocean-inspired paintings. “Through layering and sculpting of the medium, I create depth and intrigue. My hope is to spark memories and longings for Maine’s rugged shores in the hearts and eyes of the viewer,” says Roberts.

Claire Bigbee, Bethany Harper Williams, and Kathy Ostrander Roberts bring together another all female, all local show. Wow! We have so much talent in this little part of the world. This show begins on August 10 and runs through Labor Day, September 2.

Click here to see more of Roberts’s work.

Click here to read more of Roberts’s story.

You can now see why the upcoming 2019 Summer Season needs to be covered in more than one post.  Look for more news of summer coming soon.

In the meantime,  all of the galleries are open every day.  Come in an check out these new artists, as well as the familiar works of all your favorites. We open at 10. See you soon.

 

 

 

 

Save the Date – Summer of 2019 Schedule for Maine Art Hill

Posted on by Maine Art

This year’s show schedule is set, and we couldn’t wait to share the excitement with all of you. We know how quickly summer calendars fill up, so be sure to pencil us in.

 

In 2019, we are thrilled to start the season with our 4th Annual Spring Show featuring artist Jill Matthews. Matthews can be found on the redesigned first floor of The Gallery on Maine Art Hill from May 25 through June 25.  Jill lives and paints right here in Kennebunkport surrounded by views that inspire the fabulous beach scenes and classic Maine ocean.  Her soft palette is perfect to kick off a lovely summer of art in the Kennebunks.

On June 8, Shows on Maine Art Hill opens for the summer with the 8th Annual Choice Art Show, the only show curated by you. This is our eighth year combining this show with the Kennebunkport Festival. Twelve Artists. Thirty-six works. We always love seeing your choices. Click here for information on which artists are participating. Remember voting begins in May!

Beginning June 29, Margaret Gerding,  Ingunn  Milla Joergensen, and Jule Houck form a fabulous all-female trio at Shows on Maine Art Hill.  Their show will run for three weeks, closing on July 18.  All three of these talented women live and paint locally. We truly enjoy filling Shows on Maine Art Hill with this work and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of this show.

On July 20, our show gallery at 10 Chase Hill will again host the much loved and respected work of artist Craig Mooney.  This solo show will feature all new work from Craig and many beautiful surprises that only Mooney can provide.  This show will run until August 8.

The second of our trio shows features Claire Bigbee, Bethany Harper Williams, and Kathy Ostrander Roberts. Another all female, all local show. Wow! We have so much talent in this little part of the world. This show begins on August 10 and runs through Labor Day, September 2.

Last, but certainly not least, our season wraps up back at The Gallery with an incredible finale of four artists, two painters, a sculptor, and a glass artist.  Richard Remson is a Maine artist who works with primarily glass, highlighting some pieces with copper and brass. Ellen Welsh Granter and David Witbeck,  both longtime favorites at Maine Art Hill will be joining Remson.  David Riley Peterson, a Maine sculptor who brings clay sculpture to a whole new maritime level will round out this quartet of talent and fill the first floor at 14 Western Ave for Labor Day Weekend starting Saturday, August 31.

Phew.…

So with all of that said, please keep us in mind while deciding on which weeks to visit us here in Kennebunk. Of course, we would love to have you with us all summer, but we know for some of you that’s not possible. We do our best to keep you up to date on all the goings-on, but there are a few things you can do to make sure you stay connected. Please add your name to our email list for reminders if you don’t get them already. We keep your information private and will not inundate your inbox. Also, follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest and of course keep an eye on our Calendar on our website.

The Gallery at 14 Western Ave and Studios at 5 Chase Hill Road are both open all year round.

Stories and Insights from each of these artists can be found on our blog.

Click the links below to read more.

Jill Matthews ~ Margaret Gerding ~ Ingunn Milla Joergensen ~ Julie Houck

Craig Mooney ~ Claire Bigbee ~ Bethany Harper Williams ~ Kathy Ostrander Roberts

Richard Remson ~ Ellen Welch Granter ~ David Witbeck ~ David Riley Peterson

 

2018 Show Schedule with Links to Artist Pages

Jill Matthews at Maine Art Gallery from 5/25 – 6/25

Choice Show at Maine Art Shows from 6/8 – 6/27

Margaret Gerding,  Ingunn  Milla Joergensen, and Jule Houck  at Maine Art Shows from 6/29 – 7/18

Craig Mooney at Maine Art Shows from 7/20 – 8/8

Claire Bigbee, Bethany Harper Williams, and Kathy Ostrander Roberts at Maine Art Shows from 8/10 – 9/2

Richard Remson, Ellen Granter, David Witbeck, and David Riley Peterson at Maine Art Gallery from 8/31 – 9/26

Pop-Up at Studios on Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk 2019

Posted on by Maine Art

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Studios on Maine Art Hill

5 Chase Hill Road Kennebunk, ME

OPEN DAILY AT 10 AM

Join us to celebrate the growth of Maine Art in The Kennebunks. The Pop-Up is one of six new galleries at Studios on Maine Art Hill, our brand new micro gallery space. Pop-Up features guest artists & artisans on a weekly rotating basis. To learn about each visiting artist or set of artists click their links below.

Pop-Up Artists 2019

LK Sleat 5/21- 5/27

Heather Blanton 5/30 – 6/10

LAUNCH! with Wade Zahares 6/11 – 6/17

Christina Thwaites 6/18 – 6 /24

Stephen Young 6/25 – 7/1

markpizzaArt 7/2 – 7/8

Stephen Young 7/9 – 7/15

Michael Goodwin 7/16 – 7/22

Lynn Ericson  7/23 – 7/29

Julia M. Doughty 7/30 – 8/5

Robin Swennes 8/6 – 8/12

Dina Gardner 8/13 – 8/19

Marcia Crumley 8/20 – 8/26

Christina Vincent 8/27 – 9/2

Dog Days with Gloria Najecki 9/7 – 9/23

Suzanne Anderson of Yikes Studio,  Valerie McCaffrey of Garden Guardians and Zeraph Dylan Moore of Grind Studio 9/24 – 9/30

Pop-Up Shows from Maine Art Hill 2019

Pop Up with The Pink Show – Real Men Wear Pink Benefit for American Cancer Society 10/1 – 10/31

POTTERY POP-UP with Richard Winslow and Diane Carten Lynch

Pop-Up Artists for Prelude in the Kennebunks 2019

Emily Drummond 12/3 –  12/16

 

Inquiring artists please contact Abby.

Email: abby.maineart@gmail.com

Phone: 207-204 -2042

 

The Pink Show – Real Men Wear Pink 2019

Posted on by Maine Art

Maine Art Hill is hosting  The Pink Show. This show will be held at the Pop-Up gallery space at Studios on Maine Art Hill starting October 1. You may view the show virtually starting October 1. Sales will start at 10 am on October 1.  The show will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.  To support the “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign, the gallery and the artists have partnered up to donate 20% of all sales from this show to the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink of Maine campaign. 

Real Men Wear Pink is an opportunity and an honor. Not only has cancer touched Spain’s world personally, but many of Maine Art Hill’s employees have fought with this disease, either personally or alongside family members.

“The fact that I am in a position to help focus awareness and offer support to our local community is overwhelming and impossible to resist,” says Spain. “This is everyone’s disease. Be it a survivor who continues to fight every day or someone who battled valiantly but lost the fight. My job in this is easy. My hope is to make the job of others that much easier.”

The entire staff wholeheartedly supports participation in this campaign. In addition, the gallery also represents several amazing artists who are breast cancer survivors.  They, along with many other artists, enthusiastically climbed on board to help with this cause that is so near and dear.

It is such a privilege to be asked to participate in Real Men Wear Pink, and Spain is excited about being involved in this campaign. It offers him the opportunity not only to personally bring in awareness but to use his business to feature beautiful works art and use his huge network of clients and friends to raise awareness and money for this cause.  

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE SHOW ONLINE (STARTING OCT. 1)

Mark your calendars

 Hope on the Hill Artist Reception

Saturday, October 12 from 5-7.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TICKETS

100% of all ticket sales for the Hope on the Hill Party go to Real Men Wear Pink of Maine

Visit the Pop-Up gallery space at Studios on Maine Art Hill beginning October 1. It will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Something Small for the Holidays

Posted on by Maine Art

Even though Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude is all wrapped up, there are still many retailers here in the Kennebunks who are still celebrating this holiday season. Restaurants and shops throughout Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are open for business with fantastic sales and smaller crowds. We would love to see you before the new year strikes.

Tree Line I Tree Line II Tree Line III

In the past, there has been interest expressed in smaller works for the holidays, so that’s what we have done. Over the last few weeks, The Gallery at 14 Western Avenue has been rearranged to help you find just what you need. Much of the first floor is dedicated to “Small Works.”  Most pieces are 20” x 20” or smaller and have been grouped by artist. They are easy to find and offer a variety of styles and mediums to meet your tastes. Prices start at $100.

Rick Hamilton Minis $100 each

These may not be stocking stuffers by definition, but they certainly would be a pleasant surprise to anyone who finds one under their tree.

As always, we have our entire collection of works from all your favorite artists available. Many new pieces have arrived throughout the fall and certainly deserve a visit. The Works and The Printing and Framing, at Studios on Maine Art Hill, are also open, both with a variety of ideas for holiday gift giving.  Phos Art is also open most days with a wide range of pieces.

There is a great deal of parking available for all of our galleries so don’t hesitate to pull right in, especially if the weather is frigid.

For those of you who can’t get to Maine and need some assistance, please check out our website. It is updated daily with new work. We are available daily by phone, as well. 207-967-2803 for The Gallery and 207-204-2042 for Studios. Be sure to check the website for Winter Hours.

Happy Holidays to All!

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Kevin Keiser – New to The Works at Maine Art Hill in Kennebunk

Posted on by Maine Art

Kevin Keiser is a new artist for us here at Maine Art Hill. We are excited to be representing him and show off his ceramics year-round at The Works.

Keiser is experienced in many mediums all which seem to build and intertwine while supporting his natural skill and talent.

“My transition to ceramics from photography and graphic arts has allowed me to bring my skills of composition and design into the 3-dimensional medium of clay,” shares Keiser. “I’m fascinated by the way glazes interact with surface texture and other glazes. Each new piece pulled from the kiln is built upon an earlier idea and a piece I’ve completed.”

When Keiser walks the beaches of Maine, his eyes are drawn to organic and manmade materials that have been transformed by the sea. 

“The friction of waves wears down form and finish to reveal the hidden structure and burnished surfaces,” he explains. “My studio is crammed with bits and pieces of ceramic trials, failures and wins serving as jumping off points for new artistic expression.”

Many artists are often asked to pick favorites, to chose a piece or pieces of work that has a particular connection to their hearts. For Keiser, he always refers to a quote from photographer Imogen Cunningham, “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”

For this artist, it is the trial and error of forms and glazes that are part of the fun, and part of the heartbreak, of seeking new results.

“I’m not looking for the perfect piece, I’m savoring the path of discovery with all its challenges,” says Keiser. “The ethos of my ceramics is communicated through the work, and I hope my work inspires people to explore their creative energies.”

Click here to visit Kevin Keiser’s Artist Page and see his complete collection of work.

The Works at Maine Art Hill is open every day at 10 am. You can find us at 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk, Maine or visit us online at maine-art.com/studios/the-works/

 

Pottery at Pop Up on Maine Art Hill- Three Local Artists in November

Posted on by Maine Art

A show of sculptural and functional ceramic works by three local Maine artists celebrating their work in clay takes place right here in Kennebunk.

Beginning November 9, Kevin Keiser, Brenden Roddy and Richard Winslow are featured in a three-artist show at Pop Up on Maine Art Hill located at 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. An artist reception is planned for Saturday, November 17 from 5 to 7pm. Please stop by and chat with the artists and see their work in person.

Even though Kevin Keiser hails from Ohio, he began his love affair with Maine when he and his wife honeymooned in Kennebunkport forty years ago. They have been back every year since! 

“I summer in Moody, and we plan to make the move there full time in a year or two,” shares Keiser. “Many of the vessels I create are inspired by nature, and my beach walks in Maine. These sculptural pieces are not necessarily intended to be functional but can be.”

Keiser is represented by Maine Art Hill and his pieces can found at The Works Gallery year round.

Brendan Roddy, the second potter in this triad, teaches Fine Art at the Middle School of the Kennebunks as well as courses at River Tree Arts. He creates hand-built and wheel-thrown ceramic work.

“I am greatly inspired by all things water and ocean related. Being new to coastal Maine, I find the shape of shells, crashing of waves, flowing of water, and oceanic life both beautiful and organic,” says Roddy.  “I strive to interpret these forms and gestural lines in my ceramic sculptures and pottery.”

Roddy collects driftwood and other natural material from various locations and combines them with clay to create abstract landscapes influenced by each place and experience. 

“I enjoy working with texture and highlighting those textures with simple glazes and underglazes. When creating hand-built or wheel-thrown work, I find myself lost in the feel of clay,” Roddy says. “I love following flowing edges and contours and appreciate the raw nature of the material.”

Richard P. Winslow, our third potter, is an artist from Waterboro, Maine specializing in functional works. He uses earthy glazes and various textures. He is a member of the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen.

“I primarily do most of my pottery working on the wheel and use multiple methods to add texture and design to many of my shapes,” says Winslow. “I have explored many firing and glazing options.  Currently, I mostly fire to cone 5/6 and consistently use glazes that have been certified as food safe.”

Winslow started pottery many years ago in his college years. The world of work distracted his art and pottery output for several years, but later he was able to get back to his arts and crafts interest. Now they are primary in his life.

“Currently, I both paint and do pottery. I belong to several arts and crafts associations as well as participate in numerous shows in the southern Maine area,” says Winslow.

The work of Kevin Keiser, Brendan Roddy and Richard Winslow can be found from November 9 to November 26 at the Pop Up on Maine Art Hill located at 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The gallery is open at 10 am six days a week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.) An artist reception is being held Saturday, November 17 from 5 to 7pm. Please stop by and chat with the artists and see their work in person!

Brendan Roddy – Pottery Pop Up Nov. 9-26

Posted on by Maine Art

Brendan Roddy’s work is part three-man show at Pop Up from November 9 – 26 with an Artist Reception on Saturday, November 17 from 5-7 pm. Pop Up is part of Studios on Maine Art Hill at 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk.

 

“I am greatly inspired by all things water and ocean related,” shares Roddy. “Being new to coastal Maine, I find the shape of shells, crashing of waves, flowing of water, and oceanic life both beautiful and organic.  I strive to interpret these forms and gestural lines in my ceramic sculptures and pottery.”

Brendan Roddy teaches Fine Art at the Middle School of the Kennebunks as well as courses at River Tree Arts. Roddy creates hand-built and wheel thrown ceramic work inspired by “all things water and ocean-related.” His work is both sculptural and functional, inspired by the movement, texture, and forms of the ocean.

“Travel, specifically to Aspen, Ireland, and Iceland, has now become very influential in my work. I collect driftwood and other natural material from various locations and combine them with clay to create abstract landscapes influenced by each place and experience,” says Roddy. “I enjoy working with texture and highlighting those textures with simple glazes and underglazes. When creating hand-built or wheel thrown work, I find myself lost in the feel of clay. I love following flowing edges and contours and appreciate the raw nature of the material. I want the clay to work with me and have the material itself tell me where to go and what to create next.”

Come in and see Brendan Roddy’s work as part of the three-man show at Pop Up from November 9 – 26 with an Artist Reception on Saturday, November 17 from 5-7 pm. Pop Up is part of Studios on Maine Art Hill at 5 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk. The Artist Reception is a perfect time to meet and talk with Brendan.