“Trees” are the focal subjects of an unusual and vital new exhibition at Mathias Fine Art, 10 Mathias Dr., Trevett/Boothbay. Ten experienced professional artists each have contributed works that feature trees, successfully translating this subject matter into moving and aesthetically satisfying imagery.

The works of Max Bartsch, Brenda Bettinson, Patt Franklin, Lesia Sochor, Brigitte Keller and John Lorence, all painters, lead the viewer through a “forest” of individual tree images. Photographer Paul Feyling presents a large color print of the Sheepscot River from the shore of Barter’s Island that epitomizes the beauty and majesty of our local landscape. Michael Culver’s gentle color print of river and fields contrasts strongly with his large black and white photograph of milled lumber laid strip upon strip to form the towering wall of an ecclesiastical structure.

Two sculptors, John Lorence and Martha Bartsch have bronzes on display. Martha’s bronze sculpture of Apollo and Daphne is raised up to the viewer’s gaze by being set on the gallery floor mounted upon a massive section cut from the trunk of a red oak. In contrast, John’s bronze is compact and small enough in scale, allowing it to easily serve as a very special desk-top treasure.

As our staff were “spotting” and hanging this exhibition they remarked that as they looked out at the wooded landscape they found their vision sharpened both when focusing on individual trees and shrubs, but also when considering the landscape in general.

This stimulating exhibition is accompanied and augmented by several events, among them two nature walks in collaboration with the Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT): Forest Bathing in conjunction with Boothbay Region Land Trust at Porter Preserve on June 21 at 10-11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to everyone with registration required. To register or for more information, contact BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Learn more about the works on display at a gallery talk on June 27,  2-3 p.m.

Trees in the Gallery and in the Forest Tree identification Walk in conjunction with Boothbay Region Land Trust at School House Preserve on 7/12/2019 at 9 - 11:30 am. Walk is followed by private viewing of tree-related art at Mathias Fine Art. This event is free and open to everyone with registration required. To register or for more information, contact BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.

Poetry Reading: ‘Forever honored be the Tree’: Emily Dickinson’s Tree Poems presented by renowned Dickinson scholar Dr. Ellen Louise Hart. You are also invited to share your favorite tree poem! Mathias Fine Art on July 17 at 2-3 p.m. 

A reception for this show is planned for Aug. 3 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Additional information will be posted on the gallery website, www.mathiasfineart. com, or call the gallery: 633-7404.