River Arts in Damariscotta is featuring artist Valerie Greene’s recent works in a solo show running through May 29 in the West Gallery. 

Three winters ago, Greene moved to Waldoboro in Midcoast Maine to her home and studio on the Medomac River. The captivating river was the focus of that winter’s artwork. The next year, Greene pursued a new direction with series of paintings of women as her primary emphasis. Her recent work delves into a deep exploration of process in this exciting series that she defines as “intuitive and creating in the moment.” This exceptional work of pure painting is featured in the West Gallery Show titled “modality.”

During her years of painting, Greene has experimented with a variety of different mediums including encaustic, pastel, and oil. Searching for a way to continue creating in spite of pain caused by her health, she made creative adaptations that allowed her work to become more personal and unique. One of those adjustments was to find a replacement for the paint brush. Greene has been “painting” with paper towels for several years now and loves how the vehicle for paint has changed to produce her newest series on exhibit at River Arts.

This series, “Modality” is born of heart and mind in a release of emotion for herself as well as generations of women whose spirits seem to appear in these paintings. As Greene observes, “Drips and runs represent tears shed for hurt suffered by generations of women. Abstract figures appeared like ancestors, spirits or souls reminding us we are never alone and never will be. Tapestries woven of many paths shared.” This is a heartfelt exhibition of powerful work.

River Arts is located at 241 U.S. Route 1 (north of N.C. Hunt) in Damariscotta. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday  through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information visit Riverartsme.org or call the gallery  563-1507.