New galleries in Wiscasset Village prepare to wow visitors with their stunning offerings during the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, July 28, from 5-8 p.m.

60 Main Art & Antiques is exhibiting the Maine lighthouse photographs of Richard Berks and the historically accurate naval paintings by English artist John Bentham Dinsdale. James L. Kochan Fine Art & Antiques specializes in antique marine paintings. “This is museum quality,” said one awed guest when the gallery opened last month.

And a spectacular pop-up exhibit will welcome guests at Midcoast Conservancy with the paintings of Barbara Bean, Ed McCartan, and Ann Slocum, accompanied by the ceramic art of Jackie Melissas.

“We are delighted to host this superb exhibit,” said Midcoast Conservancy Communications and Membership Manager Ali Stevenson, “and be part of the Wiscasset community’s art walk.” The Conservancy’s meeting room, with its high ceilings and huge windows, has become the newest and brightest pop-up art space in the Village. The exhibit will feature four contemporary, local artists all of whom are experimenting with new methods and materials in their work. The result is a very exciting collection of intellectually and emotionally provocative pieces.

Joining the new galleries is the core collection of the Wiscasset Village art scene. Sylvan Gallery is hosting York, Maine artist Stan Moeller's collection “Paintings from the European Travels.” Sylvan Gallery co-owner Ann Scanlan says Moeller’s paintings are characterized by his lush brushwork and his “uncanny ability to capture figures in motion and shifting patterns of light.”

Wiscasset Bay Gallery is featuring an exhibit of American and French Impressionism including scenes of Paris, New York, gardens, and waterfront.  Knowledgeable gallery owners Keith and Cordelia Oehmig will be on hand to talk with visitors about the art. John Sideli Fine Art will feature the latest work of accomplished assemblage artist John Sideli.  R. Keith Rendall Fine Art will also showcase the work of the owner, master printmaker and painter Keith Rendall.

Several retail shops are featuring guest artists during the July Art Walk: Moulinette Mercantile welcomes back artist and author Katherine Dunn with one of her ‘misfit’ rescue animals; BIRCH hosts artist Francine Sokol who creates “lush landscapes, vivid florals, magical greenhouses, exquisite interiors . . . always drawing the viewer to step inside,” according to her web site. And Cameron’s Pop Shoppe features wooden boxes handmade by craftsman Mark Simpson from dead wood found in Maine’s forests.

Sidewalk events during the evening will include a French-style marketplace, a ‘brocante’, on the lawn in front of Marston House, plein air painter Susan Hanna in front of Ingram Art & Antiques, a wheel-throwing demo by Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, a display and sale of unique jewelry by Sweet Vintage Luxe, floral bouquets hand-picked by Garden Club of Wiscasset members, and strolling musicians, Married with Chitlins. Inside, Treats is hosting its very popular wine tasting while Beelicious Market invites visitors to taste some of their specialty foods. Galleries will be graced by the sounds of Danielle Paus on Celtic harp and Jonathan Waldo on classical guitar. And Historic New England offers condensed guided tours of the magnificent Nickels-Sortwell House.

Park your car once and enjoy this abundant evening! Participant sites are marked with colorful streamers and touring maps are available at all participants throughout the Village. For more information about the Wiscasset Art Walk, please visit www.wiscassetartwalk.org or contact event coordinators Lucia Droby at ludroby@verizon.net or Violet Brandwein at 1-917-327-1449.