Twenty-three artists participated in this year’s plein air event, “Paint the Town,” hosted by the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset. Beginning July 21, artists, from across Maine, set up their easels for several days in and around Wiscasset to document the historic and picturesque scenery of the area.

The morning of Saturday, July 24, the newly created “wet paint” pieces were hung in the upstairs gallery space in preparation for a reception at the gallery that afternoon. The reception, complete with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, drew an assortment of summer visitors and local residents, all of who seemed thrilled to view Wiscasset through the eyes of the artists.

Artist and teacher Adeline Goldminc-Tronzo selected the oil painting “Tucker Hill View” by Anthony Watkins of Rockland as Best in Show, noting that Watkins drew the viewer into the landscape through the perspective of the road. His technique, she said, of a somewhat “unfinished” look was intriguing. The painting, she said, conveyed a sense of tranquility. She picked an oil painting by Mark Coates, “Bradbury Road,” as an honorable mention, saying she liked the reflected light in the shadows. But Goldminc-Tronzo made clear that all the artwork deserved recognition because of its high quality. The People’s Choice award, chosen by visitors at the reception, went to a watercolor, ”Maine House,” by Deena Ball.

Throughout the week, previously completed paintings by the artists were on display and for sale in the downstairs gallery. Several of each category sold to enthusiastic buyers.

Richard Litz and Cecelia Ludwig, members of the board of the non-profit organization, organized the event and were gratified by the public response. Litz remarked that the shows of this season once again demonstrate that the Maine Art Gallery, 67 years after its founding, remains an extraordinary part of the Wiscasset community. 

The Maine Art Gallery is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and preservation of painting, sculpture and graphic arts through exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, and educational programs for children and adults. More information can be found at www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org and on Facebook at Maine Art Gallery Wiscasset. The gallery is located at 15 Warren Street, Wiscasset, just a 2- minute drive or an 8-minute walk from downtown Wiscasset. Free on-street parking. Route 1 from the north, turn right onto Federal Street (Rt. 218) then left onto Warren Street. Route 1 from the south, turn left onto Federal Street, then left onto Warren Street.