Public invited to artist reception in Monson, Maine at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27

An exhibit and sale of artwork inspired by Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary will take place in Monson, Maine, Saturday, August 22-September 27. More than half of the proceeds from sales will benefit Maine Audubon's work for wildlife conservation statewide.

As part of the exhibit, an artist reception open to the public will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 27, at Lake Hebron Artisans, 8 Greenville Road (Route 15) in Monson. More information is available by calling (207) 997-3731.

The exhibit is a collaboration of Maine Audubon, Maine's oldest and largest wildlife conservation organization, and Lake Hebron Artisans, a nine-year-old nonprofit organization founded to provide a sales venue for finely crafted art and gifts made in Maine. Lake Hebron Artisans' glass-fronted exhibition space with motion-sensor lighting has been described by the Bangor Daily News as "Maine's most innovative gallery concept."

"Lake Hebron Artisans' partnership with Maine Audubon was a natural fit, given that Borestone Mountain is only 20 minutes away from the Lake Hebron gallery that boasts many pieces inspired by the beauty of this North Woods region," said Jemma Gascoine, a local artist whose work is displayed at the Lake Hebron gallery.

The exhibit and sale features work from artists who took part in private retreats last year at Borestone sanctuary, in exchange for creating and contributing artwork to benefit Maine Audubon's work for wildlife conservation.

It features work by noted artist Alan Bray of Monson, Maine, who spent his childhood growing up in the shadow of the mountain, and who says views of Borestone Mountain and the ponds surrounding it have inspired many of his luminous landscape paintings.

Additional Piscataquis County artists featured in the exhibit include contemporary artist Dennis Gilbert, photographer Todd Watts, and potter Jemma Gascoine. Also participating is Rebecca Goodale, a book artist and a long-time North Woods hiker and mushroom forager.

Complete artist biographies are available at: http://www.maineaudubon.org/explore/event/documents/ArtistBiographies-05112009.pdf

Open year round, Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary encompasses more than 1,600 acres near the southern end of Maine's "100-Mile Wilderness" forest. An ecological jewel of the North Woods, it is a wonderland of spectacular natural features, including rare older forest, three crystalline ponds, exposed mountain rocks, and sweeping views.

Sanctuary trails offer popular, family-friendly hiking to Borestone Mountain's two highest peaks. A seasonal, trailside visitor center offers trail guides, interactive displays, and information about the area's natural and human history.

The sanctuary's historic Adirondack-style lodges, accessible only by boat or on foot, accommodate group rentals and retreats. Visit www.maineaudubon.org or call 781-2330, ext. 209, for more information.