The Artist's Choice exhibition is running through Thursday, September 26 and consists of over 100 works by 80 Maine artists. The show, presented at the River Arts main gallery at 241 U.S. Route 1 in Damariscotta, represents works selected by the artists and submitted for jurying. This show, without the usual theme, includes work in a wide variety of subject matter, media and styles (including photography, sculpture, collage and abstract, among others).

Critic and art historian Martica Sawin of New York City, New York and Harpswell, was the juror for this exhibition. Sawin has been writing on contemporary art since the 1950s when she was a contributing editor of arts and New York correspondent for Art International. Sawin chaired the department of history and criticism of art and design at Parsons School of Design for 30 years. She is the author of “Surrealism in Exile” and “The Beginning of the New York School,” and of many books and museum catalog essays on contemporary art and artists.

Excerpts of juror's statement

“The invitation to serve as juror for the River Arts Gallery’s August exhibition came as a welcome opportunity for me to reflect on several questions that for me are always on- going. To what extent are artistic styles disseminated from urban centers and consequently tend toward uniformity nationally and, these days, even globally? Or are similarities over a widespread geographic range more likely a reflection of the broader zeitgeist? Despite the leveling effect of the information age and universal technological change is it possible to discern regional stylistic traits? Is there art today that has its roots in a sense of place?

“In the light of these questions I would make the following observations after viewing the more than 200 works set out for my scrutiny:

a) while certain themes predominated, namely seascapes and pine-studded landscapes, there was a rich diversity of approaches to art-making and a willingness to experiment with media and techniques that made for a dynamic viewing process which is what one hopes for in an exhibition;

b) on second and third circuits of the galleries the artists increasingly stood out as individuals — different hands moving the brush or molding the clay, different degrees of subjectivity or objectivity, different relationships to existing art, and of course a range of touches from bravura laying on of impasto to the most delicate calligraphy;

c) with very few exceptions there was a lack of works with social or political implications, while a noticeable trait was the desire to push the limits of whatever medium was being used, in other words an emphasis on technique — this was especially true in the case of photography where digital printing techniques were much in vogue.”

River Arts Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. For information about membership and the many exhibitions, classes, events and opportunities at River Arts, visit www.riverartsme.org or call 207-563-1507.