Botanical Beaux Arts

By the ocean there is a sanctuary of vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and meandering pathways in the forest encouraging exploration and discovery. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is a beautiful complex of themed gardens and leisurely walking paths tucked away from the bustle of the seaside town. It is a great place to spend a hot and sunny August afternoon, for sure, but a great place to view art?

The gardens regularly hold exhibitions of paintings in their visitor center, as well as sculptures dotted throughout the gardens themselves. As I walked through the landscape, I kept marveling at the gorgeous plant life, only to be pleasantly surprised by a dynamic sculpture enhancing the natural surroundings without obstructing or detracting from them. Oftentimes, the sculpture blended so seamlessly with the gardens that I wasn't sure if it was art or nature!

The strange animals grazing, prowling, or lounging in the gardens are the creations of Wendy Klemperer, who crafts her sculptures out of recycled industrial salvage. The rusty steel is contorted into very believable forms, depicting all sorts of fauna including a moose, lynx, wolves, deer, and more. Find these creatures in the gardens through October 12.

In the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses # a new garden devoted to invigorating the five senses # features Sculpture for the Senses. Five artists are showing works in a variety of media that address each of the senses:

'Skunk Cabbages' by Sharon Townshend is a pair of stylized cabbages made of terra cotta that represent smell.
'Anjou' by Jim Sardonis is a figurative pear in French blue granite with a bronze stem that represents taste.
'Rabbit' by Lise Becu is a smooth stone sculpture that represents touch.
'Circle #34' by Stephen Porter is a polished stainless steel piece that represents sight.
'Found Sound' by Val Bertoia are brass and copper rods that resonate with the wind, representing sound.

This exhibition is on view through the end of August. Both exhibitions are curated by June LaCombe of June LaCombe SCULPTURE.

Other pieces were distributed throughout the grounds, including a carved glass sphere, large terra cotta bowls holding water or plants, a giant marble "tub" in the meditation garden, and much more. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a flower child, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offer much to delight in!

* Photos by Jamie Thompson

Beautiful Art by the Sea

Ogunquit, "Beautiful Place by the Sea," is a lovely seaside spot with a little jewel hidden away along the rocky shore. This is the Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA). I recently visited the museum, not knowing quite what to expect - other than the fact that they have a stunning collection of American art, I didn't know much about OMAA.

Tucked away from the tourist-packed village center, down a winding drive, is a small modern building with dramatic picture windows that overlook the gorgeous ocean view. Sculptures dot the entry, and the large, sweeping green lawn. I recognized a few massive Bernard Langlais pieces, including a bear and a lion.

I was absolutely blown away by the museum's collection. Though small, they have a wonderful selection of works that span decades and styles. The first gallery was dedicated to Henry Strater (1896-1987), a landscape and figure painter born in Louisville. Strater founded the OMAA in 1951. He came to Ogunquit in 1919 to study, and made it his permanent home in 1925.

Strater was a contemporary of such influential literati as F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, and Earnest Hemingway. Strater's European travels undoubtedly influenced his style, which reminds me of a mix of the crisp modernity of Edward Hopper and the colorful, lively style of Paul Cezanne, who was a particular influence of Strater's in his early career.

I was particularly taken by "The Green Headdress" and "The Brown Hat," two very different female portraits. "Not Even Solomon" is a another gem - not a mere floral still life, this painting is bursting with energy.

Out of the White Mountains - a gallery devoted to landscape paintings of the White Mountains - was wonderful. I was happy to see a chronological progression, and I was able to see how different artists - at different times - interpreted similar scenes. I especially enjoyed the works of Allen Tucker and Charles Curtis Allen.

Bernard Langlais and Marsden Hartley, two giants of Maine art, each have their own galleries and naturally, they are not to be missed. Perhaps these works do not represent the scope and significance of their careers, but are certainly important selections.

The large, central gallery that sits in the center of the museum houses a mix of artists. Fantastic works by Beverly Hallam, William Zorach, Edward Betts, and more are on display.

Outside, visitors can enjoy the stunning ocean views as well as the museum's sculpture garden, which offers plenty to enjoy, from the beautiful flowers and plants to the masterful sculptures arranged throughout.

OMAA is a small museum, but one that packs a punch! It is worth the trip to see its surprising and delightful collection.

* All photos by Jamie Thompson

The Business of Art

Today, The Business of Art opens at The Art Gallery at UNE in Westbrook. Featuring works from 10 Portland galleries, the exhibition is an engaging survey of the wealth of art to be found right here in Portland.

More than just great art, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into a side of the art world that many of us rarely see. Through a series of programs at the gallery, the gallery owners featured in the exhibition will have the opportunity to share their experiences with the public. From how they established names for themselves in the art scene, to how they are navigating the current troubled economic waters, the insight provided by these 10 luminaries should be fascinating.

The following galleries are included in the show:
A Fine Thing
Aucocisco Galleries
Elizabeth Moss Gallery
Greenhut Galleries
Jameson Gallery
June Fitzpatrick Galleries
Susan Maasch Fine Art
Sarajo
The Daniel Kany Gallery
Whitney Art Works

The show will be on view until September 2. FMI contact (207) 221-4499 or visit www.une.edu/artgallery.

I was able to take a sneak peek of the exhibition as it was being installed this weekend, and there are many exciting works to see, covering a range of styles, artists, and media. There are glass works, textiles, paintings, and prints. Definitely be sure to check it out!

Also, keep an eye out for an upcoming issue of The Maine Switch, for my review of the 8th Annual Sculpture Garden Invitational, at The Art Gallery at UNE.