‘The Power of Place’ opening May 28
“Even Tide” is among Sally Loughridge’s work in the “Power of Place” show at Damariscotta’s River Grill. Courtesy of Kim Skillin Traina
Jean Kigel - “Schoodic Acadia National Park.” Courtesy of Kim Skillin Traina
Candace Vlcek - “Along the Shore” is among the work in the new show at The Grill opening May 28. Courtesy of Kim Skillin Traina
“Even Tide” is among Sally Loughridge’s work in the “Power of Place” show at Damariscotta’s River Grill. Courtesy of Kim Skillin Traina
Jean Kigel - “Schoodic Acadia National Park.” Courtesy of Kim Skillin Traina
Candace Vlcek - “Along the Shore” is among the work in the new show at The Grill opening May 28. Courtesy of Kim Skillin Traina
A new show, “The Power of Place” opens at Damariscotta River Grill showcasing Maine through the eyes of three talented artists; Jean Kigel, Sally Loughridge and Candace Vlcek. Art is on display May 28 through July 7. The artists share their thoughts here on the show theme.
“I am fortunate to have Maine as my birthplace as well as my permanent home for painting. Though I’ve lived and traveled outside of Maine, my Studio and Gallery remains in the land of my roots. Here I will stay,” Jean Kigel said. “I’ve fallen in love with and painted the deserts of Jordan, the mountains of China, and the canyons of Utah. However, places and life in Maine provide most of my inspiration. The power of Maine lies in its famous light and its legendary landscape - its breathtaking coastline and abundant islands, peaks, lakes, and living things. Using watercolors, Asian brush techniques, and oils, I work representationally, varying degrees of realism, and occasionally bordering on abstraction. Whatever my approach or my media, Maine offers a veritable paradise for me as a painter.”
Says Sally Loughridge, "This place called Maine is an anchor for my heart and home. “My paintings reflect my strong emotional resonance with this geographic place called Maine. From my early years, I have been swept away by the beauty and power of the natural environment. I have lived year-round in Maine for the last 25 years. The geologic bones, beauty, and diversity of her land and seascapes continue to take my breath away. Season, weather, and time of day — enwrapping or obscuring familiar contours — bring atmospheric changes to the intersections of earth, sky, and water. Patterns of light, shadow, and hue shift, either predictably or unexpectedly. A gentle sky can turn foreboding quickly. A barren field can become rich with the lowering sun. A still sea can overwhelm a shoreline with crashing waves. The horizon can become lost as sea fog rises. This place called Maine will always have the power to stir and to inspire me in a deep and visceral way. "
"There are places that inspire us with their unique light and others for exotic plants and colors. Then there is the place that speaks to your soul as if your ancestors are whispering, ‘We know this place..it has the feeling of home,’” shared Candace Vlcek. “Maine is such a place for me. I grew up in the Hudson River Valley. As a young girl, I would take my pad and pencil and go into the woods. I’d sit on a rock and soak in the smells and sounds and do my best to draw the trees and flowers. I felt connected to my surroundings…as if I was seeing the land through the eyes of the generations of my family who had chosen it as home. Had it reminded them of where they came from? ...Traveling through the UK and visiting the places where my ancestors had lived for centuries brought home to me that what I had felt as a girl was valid. Somewhere in our DNA, the sights and sounds of our ancestors carries forward in us and informs our connection to certain places. While I am not a true Mainer, we have returned from our roaming three times to call this place home. I can identify with this land…it feels familiar and comforting, it is the power of place to me,”
Celebrate the artists and enjoy delicious savory food offerings at the “Art at the Grill” opening evening, Thursday, May 30. A portion of the dinner proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship for a Lincoln Academy student pursuing an art education. Join us for a special Prix Fixe three course menu that will be offered for $29, with a choice of wine pairings for $10, or choose a selection from the regular menu, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
The Grill, located at 155 Main St., Damariscotta, is open seven nights for dinner, starting at 4 p.m. To make a reservation, call 207-563-2992. FMI: www.damariscottarivergrill.com
Event Date
Address
155 Main Street
Damariscotta, ME 04543
United States
