South Bristol artist Sally Loughridge was recently selected to have a solo show of her work at Maine Medical Center's Dana Conference Center in Portland from February 24 through June 12. The show is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

A portion of all sales will be donated to the Maine Medical Center Art Program.

"Earth Sea Sky — Comfort and Joy" highlights Sally's sense of connection and emotional resonance with the natural world's inherent mystery, rhythm and diversity.

“Maine's rugged beauty brings me both solace and joy, inviting me to step outside myself, and moving me beyond words,” Loughridge said.

Loughridge exhibits seasonally at Pemaquid Art Gallery, Mast Cove Galleries in Kennebunkport and Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro, as well as in invitational and juried shows. She works primarily in soft pastel and oil.

“Whatever the medium," Loughridge said, "the literal process of painting engages and enlivens me.”

This was especially true when Loughridge had breast cancer four years ago. A personal strategy of creating a small painting in less than 20 minutes each day during radiation treatment helped her to stay balanced and to express and understand her intense feelings.

These 33 paintings and log entries were later published as a book, “Rad Art: A Journey Through Radiation Treatment,” by the American Cancer Society, which has garnered several national awards.

Loughridge will speak about this experience on May 7 from 12:30 to 2 p.m., at the Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute in Scarborough. Her free presentation, "The Restorative Power of Art," will explore how art and other forms of creative expression can promote healing and resiliency.

PowerPoint images from her book as well as other visual, poetic and movement examples will illustrate the talk. To preregister, go to www.mainehealth.org/lrcclasses.

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