River Arts in Damariscotta presents “Artist’s Choice” exhibition juried by acclaimed art historian and critic, Daniel Kany. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, Feb. 8 from 5-7 p.m. The show runs through March 2.

Kany selected 76 pieces from 227 submissions of artwork in all categories from artists all over the state of Maine. This show has powerful contemporary paintings that fill the space of River Arts with a dynamic vitality. The theme “Artist’s Choice” invites a broad spectrum of works that often include the artists’ favorite pieces. Often their works can be exploratory and daring as this exhibition reveals.

Cumberland-based Kany is an art historian, art critic, musician  and freelance writer. More than 480 of Kany’s award-winning art criticism columns have appeared in the Maine Sunday Telegram and the Portland Press Herald. Kany has authored dozens of catalogs, publications and magazine articles about art and artists. Kany studied at Bowdoin College and then the Johns Hopkins University. An experienced curator, Kany has been a director of the Center on Contemporary Art in Seattle, Friesen Gallery, William Traver Gallery and the Daniel Kany Gallery.

Included among the 50 artists represented in this show are John Lorence, David Estey, Alice de Mauriac, Ed McCartan, Michel Droge, Helen Warner, James Chute, Doreen Nardone, Brenda Overstrom, Marnie Sinclair, Frieda Hanlon, Phyllis Loney and Rosalind Welsh.

Many new works are displayed in this Artist’s Choice exhibition. River Arts is located at 241 U.S. Route 1N Damariscotta. Winter hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 563-1507 or visit riverartsme.org.