A new show opens Aug. 11 at the Damariscotta River Grill featuring seasoned artists Sandra Leinonen Dunn, Susan Tilton Pecora and Kimberly Skillin Traina.  Three distinct styles and mediums explore a number of themes, each capturing a unique viewpoint depicting the natural beauty of Maine. The Art at the Grill opening reception is Wednesday, Aug. 11.  Art is on display through Nov. 3.  

Sandra Leinonen Dunn is a prominent Maine artist.  Using her intuitive sense of color, and her lyrical brushwork, Ms. Dunn creates paintings which express both her passion for beauty as well as her interest and respect for classical painting techniques. "I am a traditional painter working mainly in oils. Painting for me is like meditation:  When I am working the world becomes only nameless shapes and infinite shades of color. The more I look at my subject, the more I see! This is what fascinates me... I want my paintings to contain a little bit of something beautiful frozen in time.  Through  painting, I can capture, (and hold onto) a moment, a bit of light, a splash of vibrant color, which I can then share with others.” https://www.sleinonendunn.com/

Susan Tilton Pecora was raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts. There she grew to appreciate the quality of light and the intrinsic beauty of New England, painting the streets, harbors, and seaports since childhood. I have made a living as an artist for 40+ years. I work in watercolor, egg tempera and oil.  My paintings begin with a pencil or ink sketch then a watercolor or underpainting in oil on location.  I finish the piece in my studio. New England is so beautiful and diverse, I hope to be painting it for another 40 years.”  https://susanpecora.com/

Kimberly Skillin Traina is a graphic designer, photographer and artist living in Edgecomb. She lived on Peaks Island for 10 years, where her love affair with islands began. Kim creates her pastel paintings utilizing the pure pigments of soft pastels and her fingers to layer many colors on top of an underpainting, creating depth and luminescence.  Both her pastels and new work in oils are a spiritual interpretation of nature, light and atmosphere through her depiction of skies, clouds, islands, reflections, water and waves. “Making art is how I make sense of, and honor, both my challenges and joys in this life. I love being outdoors, connecting with nature, creating in my studio, losing all sense of time and place. Whether I’m painting plein-air, or from a photograph, the end result is always it’s own story, conveying my passion for this beautiful place I call home.” https://www.kimtraina.com/

Join us for a special Prix Fixe three course menu Aug. 11 from 4 to 8:30 p.m., offered for $29 with a choice of wine pairings for $10 - or order from the regular menu. A portion of the dinner proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship for a Lincoln Academy student pursuing an art education. Please call ahead to make a reservation. Stop in to enjoy beautiful art and delicious savory food offerings. 

The Grill, located at 155 Main St., Damariscotta, is now open seven nights for dinner, starting at 4 p.m.  Daily Happy Hour is 3-5:30 p.m. with discounted drinks and appetizers. To make a reservation, please call 207-563-2992.  Follow us on Facebook or check our website, www.damariscottarivergrill.com