There is something special when creative people get together. ~ Joy Mangano
That is precisely what Shows on Maine Art Hill is celebrating from August 27 to September 15 with artists Bethany Harper Williams and David Witbeck. Starting at 10 AM Saturday, August 27, this dynamic duo fills the walls at 10 Chase Hill Road in Kennebunk.
“We have showcased this talented pair a few times with great success,” shares gallery owner John Spain. “Both Witbeck and Williams revel in Maine’s summer, so saying goodbye to the season with these two artists seems perfect.”
From his first venture on a fishing boat, working behind his camera instead of in front of his canvas, artist David Witbeck fell in love with these hard-working folk. He captures their essence of work and play, along with so much more of Maine.
“I never know where my inspiration will come from, a piece of real life, a memory, a color, a moment,” says Witbeck. “My fishermen often remind me in a distant way of Andrew Wyeth. He celebrated the fishermen and their dories but in a way very different from my own. Still, we certainly share the same sense of respect for this demanding career.”
Artist Bethany Harper Williams finds inspiration in daily life. She uses small shapes to create her scenes of summer. Each small brush stroke is coupled with a collection of marks. The expanse of the canvas allows Williams to play with texture, shape, and color, abstracting the elements but using figures or boats to put everything into context. However, adding geometric patterns in her oil paint often spark questions.
“I prefer to go beyond what is expected. I keep the viewer intrigued, finding more, and wondering. I play with patterns. Polka dots, lines, circles,” explains Williams. “It is meant to be playful and whimsical, not focussed on representing the reality, but creating a joyful mood. This keeps the viewer continually involved, looking, and questioning.”
Starting on Saturday, August 27, at 10 AM, the gallery at 10 Chase Hill welcomes the public to view and purchase these stunning celebrations of color and summer. In addition, both artists will be at Shows on Maine Art Hill on Saturday evening from 5 – 7 PM. They are excited to share their process, inspiration, and new works. The Artist Reception is a free event.
Again, the show runs until Thursday, September 15, and is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM Plan to stop into their other three locations. The Gallery at 14 Western Ave, The Grand Hotel Gallery at 1 Chase Hill, and Studios at 5 Chase Hill. All are open during the Artist Reception and every day this summer. Check the website for all summer hours. FMI www.maine-art.com or 207-967-0049
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SHOW VIRTUALLY
See our complete collection of each artist’s work by clicking the links below.
Bethany Harper Williams – Artist Page
To read more about each of these artists, click the links below