River Arts in Damariscotta welcomes the public to the opening reception for a vibrant show, “New Works” on Saturday, June 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. The show will run through July 29.

“New Works” juried by Mark Kelly, founder of the former Aarhuas Gallery in Belfast, showcases the artists’ most current work. Kelly stated, “Living on the coast of Maine, it is nearly impossible to not notice how place informs us and permeates our consciousness and identity. There's a constant ebb and flow here – a pulse. Over time, rhythm forms and shapes our environment. It simultaneously builds and erodes, creating the profound beauty and texture of this life: the quiet flow of rivers, the relentless kiss of the ocean against the shore, the change of seasons, and the bustle of creatures are inseparable.

“This kinship is what I see in the works chosen for this show. Whether it's a seemingly simple scratch in a block of wood, a meditative contemplation of a birch tree or a face, the captured energy of a street, or the juxtaposition of structure and nature, these works echo the rhythm and texture that comprise life.

“I hope you enjoy these works as much as I do. They're just a fraction of the superb submissions the gallery received.”

River Arts is also celebrating acrylic artist, Karen Nadeau’s art in the River Room. Nadeau brings a fun and varied approach to her abstract paintings. Nadeau shares her gallery space with her two studio partners, watercolorist Susan Waugh and mixed media artist Gerd Koehler. While the three have shared a studio in Pemaquid since 2015, their work demonstrates three unique perspectives.

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