River Arts announces it upcoming exhibition entitled “Figures and Faces – Animals Included” at its new gallery at 241 Route One, Damariscotta, next to N.C. Hunt Lumber. Expanding the traditional genre of figurative art, the show includes both human subjects and/or animals, since both are expressive in gesture, expression and movement.

The show runs from March 8 through April 4. Artists may submit up to three works (a minimum of two is recommended). Since the juror reviews works by each artist together, artists are encouraged to choose pieces that form an effective group. Multiple works by the same artist chosen for the show will now be hung together, as well.

All media and approaches are welcome, including abstract work, photography and sculpture.  

Juror for “Figures and Faces – Animals Included” is Robyn Holman, curator of the highly-esteemed Atrium Gallery at University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn campus. Ms. Holman directs a creative and varied series of year-round exhibitions featuring works by Maine artists. Currently, the Atrium offers its popular biennial exhibition of artists from Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, “Area Artists, 2013,” this year presenting art by 78 artists.  

Submissions entered for the River Arts exhibition must be for sale. Wall-hung work should not exceed 40 inches in height, and for safety reasons plexiglass or other non-glass option should be used for work over 34 inches, excluding pastels. Each work should be labeled on the back with artist’s name and the title.   

Drop-off dates at River Arts’ new premises on Route One are Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early submissions are accepted within usual gallery hours. The entry fee for submissions of up to three works is $15 for members, $20 for non-members.

Artists are notified by email or phone of the juror’s decision. Submissions may not have been exhibited at River Arts previously. Entry forms are available online at http://riverartsme.org and at the gallery when submitting.

The opening reception will be on Friday, March 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. Queries and requests may be directed to River Arts at 207-563-1507 or by email at info@riverartsme.org. River Arts offers year-round art exhibitions, in addition to classes, concerts and other cultural events. River Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.