The walls at the Damariscotta River Grill transform to summer colors and images, exploring a number of themes while capturing the light and beauty of Midcoast Maine. This art show is on display July 25 through Sept. 12.

Three artists — Kimberly Skillin Traina, Susan Tilton Pecora and Susan Zimmerman — capture the essence of summer in Maine in three distinctly different styles and viewpoints, through pastel, oil, acrylic and watercolor.

Meet the artists at the “Art at the Grill” opening reception, Wednesday, July 27, 4-5:30 p.m. with light savory summer hors d’oeuvres.

Kimberly Skillin Traina is a graphic designer, photographer and pastel artist living in Edgecomb. Her work is represented in the Portland area by The Richard Boyd Art Gallery on Peaks Island.

“Art, like life, is a work in progress, each piece I create is a study for the next, building intuition and trust. If I’m not painting en plein air, I start with a photograph I have taken, but the end result is always it’s own story.

“I hang my pastels in my studio for months, picking them up to add a color, or change a shape until the story that wants to be told is complete,” shared Traina. “My creativity keeps me connected and focused - living in the moment. As an artist, it is my hope to ignite a spark, stimulate a response, and convey my passion for this beautiful place I call home.”

Susan Tilton Pecora was raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts. In this seashore community she grew to appreciate the quality of light and the intrinsic beauty of New England, painting the streets and seaports of New England since she was a child.

“I synthesize the world through drawing and painting, always have. It began at about four, when my parents gave me blank pads on which to draw while living on our small boat that cruised up and down the New England coastline during the summer months,” Pecora said.

“I take a sketchbook with me wherever I go, then work the sketches into finished paintings in the studio. I have always been attracted to the wildly diverse nature of Maine. There is enough subject matter in one square mile of this state to keep me busy for a lifetime!”

Pecora exhibits and sells her work through galleries and art associations throughout the country and is a signature member of The New England Watercolor Society.

Susan Zimmerman. originally from Pennsylvania, has lived and worked in Five Islands, Maine for the past 17 years. “Painting by nature and necessity, is a solitary occupation; the artist must journey through the creative process alone; whether painting “en plein aire” or in a studio; it is a time of deep reflection and joy found in the creation of new work. I explore themes of working harbors, summer fields, rocky coastlines, estuaries and lily ponds, to the folks and animals that live, work, and play in these beautiful places,” Zimmerman said.

“Making every attempt to escape absolute realism, by the use of abstract design and color, I prefer to be experimental and open to new ideas. My strength as an artist is in the color choices I employ; their relationship to each other, leaning toward a heightened saturation and brilliance.

The Grill is located at 155 Main Street, Damariscotta, and is open seven days for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Call the Damariscotta River Grill for more information, and hours, at 562-2992.