River Arts in Damariscotta presents photographers, Gail and Paul Karlsson, in a two-person show “Wild Birds and Whimsies” in the River Room. This captivating display runs from Thursday, July 13 through Wednesday, Aug. 2. A public reception will be held on Saturday, July 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Gail Karlsson, an environmental lawyer, writer and photographer focuses on protection and appreciation of the natural world. Gail grew up in New York City and spent summers at her family’s house in Tenants Harbor where she learned to love wild creatures and landscapes.

Gail’s images aim to evoke a deep emotional sense of our interconnections and impacts on the natural world. She especially loves watching and photographing the graceful great egrets. Gail shares, “They are most common in marshy areas or salt flats, where they wade into the shallow water to catch fish. However, their foraging areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding and erosion related to climate change and rising sea levels.”

Gail’s brother, photographer Paul Karlsson of Rockland, looks at an object inviting the viewer to see intricate and often unnoticed parts of a subject resulting in a compelling abstract result. Paul says of his work, “The pictures in this show derive from sand, rocks, rust, clouds, reflections, mold and other unlikely sources of inspiration. Rather than render the real, I have tried to tease out what surreality or sub reality the original image might conceal. Not everyone shares my whimsy but that of course is fine, and I am always pleased when others see things I have not.”

River Arts is located at 36 Elm St. 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.