River Arts in Damariscotta invites the public to the opening reception for “Sojourns,” an exhibition by Midcoast artists Aimee Keithan and Betsy Birge in the West Gallery, Friday, Sept. 12 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibition will run through Sept. 24.

The concept of “sojourn” brings to mind a fleeting stay, but also evokes a sense of nostalgia, relaxation and wonder. These works reflect both physical sojourns that they have experienced as well as sojourns of the artist’s eye; the way they stop and notice everyday occurrences all too easy to miss in our busy, bustling lives. These ephemeral inspirations are reflected here, heightened by the medium they are captured in.

For Keithan, art has always been a process of capturing moments. Her technical skills were honed at Maine College of Art and the University of Maine at Augusta. Living in Britain and other global travels served as inspiration for much of her art, “…stimulating my imagination and awakening me to the beauty that has surrounded me my whole life in Maine.” Her photography expresses singular moments in a language that reflects an entire experience.

Keithan’s work encompasses a decade of travel and adventure: “the product of daring to follow your dreams.”

About five years ago, after Birge underwent brain surgery, she noticed that: “Something previously holding me back as an artist was no longer present and the desire to create grew to be overwhelming at times.”

Having been a very controlled artist in acrylic and watercolor, she went back to graphite and finally arrived at soft pastel, oftentimes with watercolor. Birge finds this medium enables her to work more freely with intensity of color, capturing the natural moments.

River Arts is located at 241 US Route 1 in Damariscotta. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information visit the River Arts website www.riverartsme.org or call 207-563-1507.