Barbara Vanderbilt's exhibit will include stunning interpretations of Maine’s rock, wood and ice formations. Her pastel paintings capture the subtle changes in texture and color of nature’s timeworn crafting of unusual designs, resulting in intriguing studies of the outdoor world around us. The show will run Oct. 23 through Dec. 2.

The public is invited to an opening reception for Vanderbilt, to be held on Friday, Oct. 24 from 3-5 p.m. Savory Maine will provide delectable sweet and savory finger foods. Beer and wine will be available to purchase.

Recently, Vanderbilt has been exploring water and ice formations with their artistic allure, and those pastel renderings complement this exhibit.

“I love the shapes and textures and the stories they tell,” she said. “I try to convey the interplay between strength and delicacy. The contrast between the peacefulness of the moment and the rough changes that nature brings in the way of seasonal variation, erosion and storm gives me endless material for painting and meditation.

“We are such a part of nature and it of us that we need to really listen to what it says to us. As Will Durant said, ‘Civilization lives by geological consent.'”

Vanderbilt was born in New York City and grew up in northern New Jersey on a small lake surrounded by woods.

While not a particularly social child, she spent many hours enjoying the peacefulness of her surroundings.

When she moved to Maine in 1971 these feelings expanded, and when she discovered pastels she found the medium very exciting and that it lent itself so readily to her self-expression.

Vanderbilt also designs ceramic tiles for Gothic Tile in Whitefield. She and her husband, Richard Curewitz, have owned the business since 1989.

Savory Maine is located at 11 Water Street in Damariscotta. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. To 8 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.

For more information call 207-563-2111, or visit www.savorymainedining.com.