For July, Gleason Fine Arts is showcasing a collection of paintings by artist Kevin Beers as part of its annual summer exhibition. The gallery has featured Beers' work for nearly 30 years, making the exhibit a longstanding tradition for both the gallery and visitors to Boothbay Harbor. This year's exhibition, however, offers something new, featuring nearly 30 paintings not previously been displayed at Gleason Fine Arts.

"There are nearly 30 new paintings for us this year as part of the exhibition," said gallery owner Dennis Gleason.

The exhibition opened Fourth of July weekend and will remain on display through the end of July. Visitors can explore Beers' latest work, much of which captures the rugged beauty and timeless character of Monhegan Island, a place that has inspired generations of artists.

For Beers, Monhegan Island has long served as both a destination and a source of artistic inspiration. Every summer, he spends countless hours painting outdoors, returning to the same locations throughout the day to study the changing light, colors and atmosphere.

"He would go from first light and paint over and over again to become familiar with the light changes and so forth," Dennis Gleason said.

Located about 10 miles off the coast of Maine, Monhegan Island has been a haven for artists for more than a century. Its dramatic cliffs, rocky shoreline, working harbor, and quiet village have attracted some of America's most celebrated painters, including Robert Henri, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows, Edward Hopper and Jamie Wyeth. The island's natural beauty and ever-changing coastal light continue to draw artists from around the world.

"Everywhere you look there are scenes that are perfectly composed to make a painting," Beers said. "And often those scenes you are painting are exactly the same ones that my favorite artists painted a hundred years ago."

That connection to both history and landscape is reflected throughout the exhibition. Beers' paintings capture everything from quiet harbors and weathered buildings to rocky coastlines bathed in morning and evening light. His loose yet detailed brushwork and attention to atmosphere allow viewers to experience the island through the eyes of an artist who has spent decades returning to the same landscapes.

Among the works on display, one painting has become an early favorite among visitors. According to Gleason, guests have been especially drawn to "Lightkeeper's House and Bell," which depicts one of Monhegan's iconic landmarks. The painting's composition and use of light have made it one of the exhibition's standout pieces.