River Arts West Gallery is the site of an exciting group show of artists who gather to paint every Thursday at the studios of Ronald Frontin. Recently expanded, Frontin’s studios are now known as the Open Atelier of Midcoast Maine and are located at the Thomaston Academy Library, 60 Main Street, Thomaston. Opening reception is Friday, Sept. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Thursday painters have been gathering weekly for years to paint from a portrait model or work on their own projects, independently or with guidance from Frontin. The resulting artistic expressions are varied, individual, and fascinating in their common elements and their diversity. Among the many Midcoast artists displaying their work are Brandon Berkenbile, Sherrie Dec, Doreen Dufor, Cathy Eagleson, Mary Fitanides, Janet Hill, Madge Jones, Wanda Leavitt, Sharon Marchi, Roz Marcopulos, Natalie Norris, Ann O’Hara, Jo M. Orise, Sherry Smith, Terry Smith, Paula Spector, Nancy Warren and John Wood.

Internationally acclaimed Rockland native Frontin completed a number of noteworthy portraits, including Margaret Chase Smith’s portrait hanging in the U.S. Capitol Building and Governor McKernan’s portrait displayed in the Maine State House. Frontin studied with Nelson Shanks, one of the most renowned portraitists of our time and founder of Studio Incamminati.

This show has been organized by Carolyn Gabbe, a graduate of Studio Incammanti and contemporary realist painter in Nobleboro. More can be found on the Open Atelier of Midcoast Maine on their Facebook page.

Meet the artists at the opening reception and enjoy some light refreshments. The show will be open to the public Sept. 5-17. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. River Arts West is located at 241 U.S. Route 1 in Damariscotta at the intersection of Route 1 and Main Street, next to NC Hunt.