Dave Higgins returns to the Southport Memorial Library as artist of the month for July and August this summer. He is photographer who previously exhibited, lectured and held classes at the library. This summer he returns with new work as well as some old favorites of the Cozy Harbor area, one of his favorite shooting locations.

A photographer since he was a teenager, Higgins began his career using black and white film. This early work led him to a life long study and exploration of artistic composition which became the hallmark of his photographic style. He places emphasis on line, tone, form and compositional relationships. Although much of his work could be called landscape, Higgins feels it is more about subtle relationships than grand vistas.

With the advent of computer technology Higgins began experimenting with digital photography and was an early user of Photoshop. Fifteen years ago he moved his artwork completely into the digital realm which he feels allows him the freedom to simplify and to blur the borders between black and white and color, between photography and other art forms, and especially between the real and the perceived. His images often start with a photograph and use digital brushes and various software, filters and/or screens to develop a scene. The results provide a unique and personal view of often traditional subjects.

Higgins, now of Newcastle, is well known in the area as a photographer and teacher. He is a Maine native and graduate of CMVTI, USM and Vermont College (MFA-VA). Before returning to the coast Higgins was a graphic arts teacher residing in western Maine for 25 years. Higgins work is exhibited and published throughout Maine and New England including locally at the Saltwater Artists Gallery, Damariscotta River Grill, Round Top Center for the Arts, and the Chocolate Church. In 2005 he was an artist in residence at Carina House on Monhegan Island. His work can be seen online at various art sites and at d-higgins.com.

The library is located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road at the southern tip of Southport Island. The exhibit will be on view during the library’s regular hours, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with evening hours Tuesday and Thursday from 7 -9 p.m.