Abbie Read is a mixed media artist living and working in Appleton. Her work tends to flow between two dimensional work generally in the form of collage, and three dimensional work incorporating found objects. The latter often includes old, discarded books as raw material.

The intention is an exploration of abstract composition where the design elements of color, line, shape and texture meet certain design principles of balance and movement, within a very small space or, in the case of the "quilts" a larger one. Read has taught two and three dimensional design and this has always guided her artistic practice. Having also taught painting, drawing and printmaking in the past, she currently teaches workshops in collage, book binding, altered books and printmaking techniques.

The current exhibit, in River Arts West Gallery, is called "Betwixt and Between," an appropriate sentiment for this show which will include both two and three dimensional work. The small collages were completed in series, where the first inspires the next, and the following ones continue an exploration of composition using the same design elements as both muse and limitation.

The three dimensional work takes the form of wall hangings in which strips of book covers, with their intrinsic appeal due to the text, texture and color, have been stitched back together with linen thread to reference the tradition of crazy quilt making.

The exhibit is running through Aug. 12, with an opening reception on Friday, July 29 from 5-7 p.m. The public is welcome. For more on the artist, visit: http://abbiereadartist.com.

Queries and requests may be directed to River Arts at 563-1507 or by email at info@riverartsme.org. River Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2. Closed Mondays. River Arts is located at 241 US Route 1 in Damariscotta.