River Arts is pleased to present Beth Downey’s dynamic solo show On the Edge in the River Room from April 3 - 23. The public is invited to attend Downey’s opening reception Saturday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Downey’s bold, colorful paintings are inspired by the vibrant natural landscapes she has called home—from the lush Caribbean Islands, where she lived and worked for 25 years, to the rugged coastline of New Harbor, Maine, where she now resides.

Born and raised in Boston, Downey earned a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art. While building a career in the corporate world, she remained dedicated to her artistic practice, painting in her spare time, attending workshops with accomplished artists, and showcasing her work in local exhibitions on St. Thomas.

Downey later deepened her engagement with the art world by working in prestigious galleries in South Florida. In 2023, Downey moved to Maine to fully dedicate herself to painting, capturing the energy, light, and beauty of the natural world through her expressive and dynamic compositions.

Downey says, “The ever-changing beauty of nature is the driving force behind my work. I am endlessly inspired by shifting light, vibrant colors, and the rich textures of my surroundings. My goal is to distill these elements onto the canvas, using bold color, dynamic shapes, and expressive gestures that evoke a sense of movement and transformation.

"Through energetic marks and layered compositions, I seek to create paintings that captivate the eye and elicit emotion. The exhibition title On the Edge speaks to the raw, organic boundaries within my work—the rough edges of forms, the way colors break through layers, and the interplay between control and spontaneity. I embrace brush marks, allowing the physicality of paint to emerge, revealing depth and tension. Beyond the visual, On the Edge also reflects my artistic journey—always on the verge of discovery, pushing boundaries, and embracing the unknown. Each piece embodies this exploration, balancing intention with instinct."

River Arts is located at 36 Elm St. in Damariscotta. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 207-563-6868 or visit the website: riverartsme.org