River Arts in Damariscotta presents an exhibition of works by Isabella Corwin of Bristol. This solo show opens in the West Gallery on Saturday, March 14 with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. This solo show continues through April 8.

This exhibition is a celebration of the female form in a collection of work spanning decades of creation through to the present day. Multimedia depictions of women, including painting, drawing and enamels, display a wide range of expert handling of diverse materials.   

One must understand the rules to break them and Corwin’s adventurous experimentation shows a depth of visual knowledge and the courage to expand beyond the obvious.  With gestural virtuosity, Corwin has created a room full of women with personality and exuberance.  This archival collection culminates with her most recent piece of 2020 a huge painting of voluptuous nudes titled “Big Girls.”  With minimal yet powerful strokes, Corwin fleshes out the fullness of their forms. 

Trained at the Cooper Union School of Art in New York, Corwin has retired from her career as an associate professor of surface design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.  A veteran of many exhibitions and recipient of numerous awards, Corwin describes her work as “experimentation, risk-taking, surprises, failures, pushing the medium to do the magic.” 

River Arts is located at 241 Route 1 (north) in Damariscotta.  Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday in the winter. Call River Arts for more information: 563-1507.