The seven artists and their mentor whose works are currently on display at the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset have named this exhibit “Collective Imagination.” The title is an apt description, as the artists have actually formed a collective for the purpose of inspiring and critiquing each other’s work. For the past seven years or so, they have grown in their ability to express themselves through regular meetings for critique and inspiration.

The collective, which calls themselves SEVEN, includes Emily Blaschke, Jenny Campbell, Alicia Sampson Ethridge, Celeste June Henriquez, Doreen Nardone, Brenda Overstrom, Donald M. Peterson, plus their mentor, Michel Droge. SEVEN’S work is receiving praise from art critics, and the Maine Art Gallery exhibit has garnered attention from prominent art reviewers Carl Little of Art New England and Jorge Arango of Portland Press Herald. Mr. Arango’s review will appear in the Sunday, Sept. 11 Arts and Leisure section of the Portland Press Herald and Carl Little’s comments can be seen in the Sept/October issue of Art New England.

In a recent artists talk at the gallery, Celeste June Henriquez and Doreen Nardone responded to questions about the inspiration for their work. They explained how their personal life stories have contributed to their artistic development. These stories help to enhance the viewer's experience of the paintings on display. “Non-representational images express emotion, but the subject of the artist’s feelings is not so clear,” said a visitor. “It was fascinating to understand the circumstances behind the creation of a work of art.”

The show continues Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Saturday, Sept. 17 in the Old Academy Building at 15 Warren St., Wiscasset.

The gallery thanks season sponsors Les Fossel Restoration and Sherri Dunbar of Tim Dunham Realty for their support, as well as Cromwell Coastal Properties for sponsoring our season classes.

More information can be found on our website at maineartgallerywiscasset.org on Facebook at The Maine Art Gallery Inc., and Instagram @maineartgallerywiscasset.