Jill and John Butke will be exhibiting their latest handwoven garments and paintings in the River Arts West Gallery, Oct. 17-30. Color and texture abound in this terrific, new show in Damariscotta. The public is invited to the opening reception on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 5 -7 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy this interesting collection of fiber and paint.

Jill has been weaving since the late ’70s, working, studying and playing with textiles, while also teaching art full time in Massachusetts. She retired from teaching in 2005 and has been weaving full time since then. Jill’s handwoven garments combine a variety of fibers, textures and colors in unique clothing apparel. There are narrow and wide neck wrap scarves, infinity scarves and an interesting ‘front slit’ scarf in blends of cotton, rayon and chunky wools. Her work also includes several other clothing items: cocoons, ponchos and twisted front shawls just to name a few. Because of the endless possibilities with the colors and textures in yarn, no two pieces are ever quite the same.

After receiving a BFA and MFA in painting, then studying lithography in New Mexico, John began teaching art in Massachusetts. Summers spent in Maine allowed time to pursue painting. John is a regular exhibitor at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation and River Arts Gallery. John will be exhibiting a series of new watercolors inspired by a recent fishing and kayaking trip to Baxter State Park. All paintings feature Mt. Katahdin, some viewed from across Millinocket Lake, some from Upper Togue Pond and others from Roaring Brook Road.

River Arts is located at 241 Route 1 (north) in Damariscotta. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 pm, Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call River Arts 563-1507.