The Southport Memorial Library welcomes Paula Ragsdale as its “Artist of the Month” in March and April.

An artist and designer working in paper, paint and found objects, Ragsdale's work can be found in private homes, public spaces and various galleries. She also maintains an extensive collection of her work at Ragsdale Studio/Gallery, which is located at 11 Sproul Lane, Boothbay (half a mile before the Coastal Botanical Gardens). She exhibits her work from May to October as a member of the artist collective at Studio 53 Gallery in Boothbay Harbor. This coming season, Ragsdale will also be the gallery's featured artist for July.

Inspired by the landscape and life of coastal and inland Maine, Ragsdale creates imagery and assemblages via a variety of mediums, primarily acrylic and paper collage. She identifies herself as a mixed media artist/designer with a highly interpretive style.

Ragsdale was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Pa., in rural Bucks County, where she was first inspired to interpret the natural beauty of landscapes.

After completing studies at Bucks County Community College, she transferred to Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 1981 as an illustration major.

Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Ragsdale moved to Boothbay where she continues to create masterful and moving works of visual art. Ragsdale is married to Billy Arsenault, with whom she shares a home on Knickerbocker Lake, and where together they have raised two sons.

For more information, Ragsdale may be contacted at www.paularagsdale.com, www.studio53fineart.com and ragsdale@gwi.net.

The Southport Memorial Library is located at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road on Southport Island. Library hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. and 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.