River Arts is delighted to showcase the artwork of Judith Schuppien in the solo show, “Treasures of Our Local Land Trusts,” in the River Room at River Arts Gallery in Damariscotta. Schuppien’s show will run from June 26 to July 16. Schuppien’s lush and lyrical paintings pay tribute to Maine Land Trusts. Meet the artist at an opening reception on Saturday, June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Schuppien grew up in Milbridge, Maine—way Downeast—and graduated as valedictorian of a class of 17 (which still counts). She went on to the University of Chicago on a full scholarship, earned a BFA, and promptly discovered that Fine Arts jobs mostly paid in “exposure.” She switched gears to IT, got an MBA, and spent years as a programmer and systems analyst—while making very little art.

Eighteen years later, she and her Chicago-born husband moved back to Maine, settling in the Augusta area. Being home rekindled her love of art. Schuppien connected with other artists through the Harlow Gallery and began painting outdoors with a Damariscotta-based plein air group. Her favorite medium is oil, though she still loves ink drawing. Her subjects are often the Maine landscapes she loves—especially along the big rivers.

Since 2020, she’s lived in Brunswick with her husband of 40 years (yes, the same Chicago guy) and their two enormous cats.

When it came time to choose a theme for her River Room show, Schuppien had a loose idea and about six months. As she flipped through her recent work, a theme emerged: land trust landscapes. A show was born. About three-quarters of the paintings were created during that six-month window.

Schuppien’s connection to Land Trusts runs deep. In 2018, she and her husband donated 22 acres in Pittston to the Kennebec Land Trust. It has since expanded, and nearby lands were also preserved—possibly inspired by their original gift. Possibly not. Either way, it brings them great joy.

This project led her to revisit old favorites and explore new places like Noble Hill, Tarbox Preserve, and the Sproul Preserve. Eight Land Trusts are represented—all publicly accessible and blissfully free of “No Trespassing” signs.

River Arts is a non-profit gallery located at 36 Elm St. in Damariscotta. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information: 563-6868, riverartsme.org or info@riverartsme.org.