Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson is pleased to announce that they will host George Mason as this year’s artist in residence.

As the artist in residence, Mason will spend two weeks living on-site at HVNC this October. During that period he will create works and develop ideas that are encouraged by his time in the woods.

In describing what he hopes to get out of his time at HVNC Mason said, “Let’s see what the land says. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see what is noticed, what is sustaining, what is well observed and fresh.”

Admittedly wary about placing too many pre-conceived structures on his time at HVNC Mason has no doubts that the experience will yield a bounty of creative paths to pursue.

The public will be invited to two events to interact with both the artist and his work. On Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 HVNC will host a Full Moon Art Walk.

Mason’s work will be on display in several of the cabins on the property and HVNC volunteers will lead moon-lit guided tours from cabin to cabin.

“The evening will be enchanting, provoking, and so much fun,” HVNC Director Andy McEvoy said. Then on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 HVNC will host a public viewing and celebration of Mason’s work at the artist’s studio in Newcastle. Both events will be open to the general public.

George Mason has a background in ceramic architectural tile, and his work is steeped in the exploration of materials and history. Richly textured and saturated with color, the largest of his “relief tapestries” are pieced together panels that occupy entire walls.

A recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts awards, he has shown at The Portland Museum of Art, The Center for Maine Contemporary Art; with solo shows at The Farnsworth Museum, and the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. 

More information available online at www.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.