River Arts in Damariscotta invites the public to the opening reception for the “Artist's Choice” Exhibition on Friday, Nov. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. The show includes artwork by 80 Maine artists in a wide variety of media, sculpture and fine crafts. The exhibition will hang until Dec. 11.

The juror for the “Artists’ Choice” exhibition is Mark Kelly, a founding member of Aarhus Gallery in Belfast. He described his process of selecting art for this show.

"As I looked through and started to choose pieces for this show it struck me that what spoke to my soul — were the works that leaned towards an appreciation of the elusive 'simple,'” Kelly said. “It all begins with an appreciation of the dichotomy between simple and complex, and I feel that these works, these artists, are translating and expressing that in a variety of heartfelt, soulful ways.”

Boothbay region, Wiscasset and Damariscotta artists in the exhibition are: James A. Kipfer, Alna; Penelope Moodey, Jean Harris, Bernice Rosenthal, Polly Steadman, Damariscotta; Melanie Howe, Pam Riml, East Boothbay; Bob Thomas, Edgecomb; Helen Warner, Newcastle; Peter Felsenthal, Jeanne Wells, Trevett; Amy Durocher, Whitefield; Sarah Harvey, Dan Peterman, Woolwich.

Visitors can view a new solo exhibition in the West Galley featuring the encaustic work of Kendra Denny of Camden.

River Arts is located at 241 U.S. Route 1 in Damariscotta and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For inquiries, call 207-563-1507, email info@riverartsme.org or visit www.riverartsme.org.