Joan R. Brownstein, 72, of Wiscasset, formerly of Newbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Oct. 22, 2020 at Clover Manor in Auburn, Maine.

Joan was an artist, a writer and poet, a scholar, and a nationally recognized authority on American folk portraiture, miniatures on ivory, and schoolgirl art. She started her antiques business in 1980, and over the next 40 years wrote articles on her specialties for regional and national trade publications, and exhibited at the most significant antiques shows in the country — including the Connecticut Antiques Show, the ADA Show, the NHADA and Antiques in Manchester Shows, the Philadelphia and Delaware Antiques Shows, and with her husband, Peter Eaton, the Winter Antiques Show in New York City.

Joan’s own work-paintings, photography, and jewelry- has been displayed at numerous events and is currently on display in the gallery she shares with her husband in Wiscasset.

More importantly, though deeply private, Joan was a warm, gentle, and caring woman with a strong social conscience.

She is survived by her husband, her sister Carol Fine and her husband John, her nephew Jeffrey and niece Stephanie.

There will be no services. Donations in Joan’s name may be made to the American Parkinson’s Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.