River Arts in Damariscotta invites the public to the opening reception of three shows on Friday, July 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. The feature show in the Main Gallery is “Night and Day.” This exhibition was curated by Bob Keyes, art writer at Portland Press Herald.

Keyes selected 83 art works from 171 entries from artists all over the state of Maine. The theme is widely interpreted with examples of starry nocturnes, comparisons of nighttime and daytime scenes, images of opposites, as well as thoughtful constructions of darks and lights. With a plethora of nighttime images, this show has an especially mysterious quality.

Local/regional artists in the show: Boothbay: John Butke, Sharon B. Ryan; Boothbay Harbor: Mark Coates; Damariscotta: Polly Steadman, Elaine Eskesen, Frieda Hanlon, Caroline Janover, Holly Anderson Baumm; East Boothbay: Annette Stormont; Edgecomb: John Lorence; Newcastle: Helen Warner, Carolyn Wiley; Nobleboro: Elizabeth Palmer; Wiscasset: Virginia Forrest, Stan Haney.

Additional show announcements

The West Gallery presents Salt Bay Art Supply’s annual summertime show, “Black and White.” This exhibition includes artists who have been invited to participate with works in all black and white.

The Invitational Hall will hold the second annual 6 x 6 fundraising show. Red Dots can be purchased ahead of time for $20. This is a chance to find a small treasure and support the programming at River Arts. The Big Reveal of over 100 works will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Participating artists include John Lorence, Doreen Nardone, Alice de Mauriac, Cecelia Cox, Frieda Hanlon, John Butke, Helen Warner, Judy Nixon, Holly Baumm, Virginia Forrest, Cory Stafford, Jean Kigel, Elizabeth Palmer, Deborah Roy Roberts, Brooke Pacy, Gerd Koehler and many others.

River Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gallery is located at 241 U.S. Route 1 (north) in Damariscotta.  For more information: 563-1507.