‘Art at the Grill’ celebrates summer in Maine

Opening reception Aug. 24
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 10:45am

Story Location:
155 Main Street
Damariscotta, ME 04543
United States

    A new show opens Aug. 21 at the Damariscotta River Grill featuring seasoned artists Sandra Leinonen Dunn, Susan Tilton Pecora and Kimberly Skillin Traina.  Three distinct styles and mediums explore a number of themes, each capturing a unique viewpoint depicting the natural beauty of Maine. The “Art at the Grill” opening reception is Thursday, Aug. 24.  Art is on display through Oct. 16.
     
    Join us for a special Prix Fixe three course menu that will be offered for $29, with a choice of wine pairings for $10, or choose a selection from the regular menu, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and celebrate the artists.  A portion of the dinner proceeds will be used to fund a scholarship for a Lincoln Academy student pursuing an art education. Please call ahead to make a reservation. Stop in to enjoy beautiful art and delicious savory food offerings.
     
    Native Mainer Sandra Leinonen Dunn is a prominent Maine artist. Her works are part of collections throughout the U.S, and abroad and she is represented by several galleries in Maine and Massachusetts. Using her intuitive sense of color, and her lyrical brushwork, Ms. Dunn creates paintings which express both her passion for beauty as well as her interest and respect for classical painting techniques. She shares, “ I am a traditional painter working mainly in oils. Painting for me is like mediation.  When I am working on a  subject, I am in my right brain where logic and words do not exist, and where the world becomes only nameless shapes and infinite shades of color. I want my paintings to contain a little bit of something beautiful  frozen in time. The only thing certain in this life is change. Through  painting, I can capture, (and hold onto) a moment, a bit of  light, a splash of vibrant color, which I can then share with others.” She has a studio at her home in Chelsea.
     
    Susan Tilton Pecora N.W.S., was raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts. In this seashore community she grew to appreciate the quality of light and the intrinsic beauty of New England, painting the streets and seaports of New England since she was a child.  “I have been painting the harbors, farms and factory towns of New England since childhood.  I have made a living as an artist for over 40 years. I work in watercolor, egg tempera and oil.  My paintings begin with a pencil or ink sketch then a watercolor or underpainting in oil on location.  I finish the piece in my studio. New England is so beautiful and diverse.”Susan exhibits and sells her work through galleries and art associations throughout the country and is a signature member of The New England Watercolor Society (NWS).
     
    Kimberly Skillin Traina is a graphic designer, photographer and pastel artist living in Edgecomb. Kim creates her pastel paintings utilizing the pure pigments of soft pastels and her fingers to layer many colors on top of an underpainting, creating depth and luminescence. Her work is a spiritual interpretation of nature, light and atmosphere. “Making art is how I make sense of, and honor, both my challenges and joys in this life,” said Traina. “I love being outdoors, observing and connecting with nature, creating in my studio, losing all sense of time and place. Whether I’m painting “plein-air” or from a photograph, the end result is always it’s own story, conveying my passion for this beautiful place I call home.”
     
    The Grill is located at 155 Main St., Damariscotta. For more information, call 207-563-2992; find us on Facebook or check  www.damariscottarivergrill.com.