The Maine Art Gallery’s current exhibit of art inspired by Maine’s natural beauty has been extremely well received by visitors to the historic Academy building in Wiscasset. The gallery’s white walls, high ceilings and bright natural light provide a fine showcase for “Maine Observed,” a juried exhibit of some 50 Midcoast artists interpreting through varied styles the natural beauty that has long attracted artists visiting or living in Maine.

Among the member artists’ works are “Between Garden and Apple Tree” by Thomas Higgins of Readfield and Bristol artist Conrad Guertin’s “Dry Stone Walls.”

This show, which ends July 27, will be succeeded by the gallery’s annual Plein Air event and exhibition, “Paint It! Maine.” Both shows share the gallery with the centenary retrospective, “Fiore at 100” honoring the similarly landscape-inspired art of Joseph Fiore (1925 - 2008). 

“Fiore at 100,” celebrates the Maine artist and conservation activist whose vantage point from his Jefferson farm was a source of inspiration for 50 years. The works were donated to Maine Farmland Trust by the artist’s estate in honor of his longstanding commitment to the organization and its history of programs combining art and environment. Sales of the paintings will benefit both the Maine Farmland Trust and the Maine Art Gallery.  

The Fiore show continues until Aug. 24.  The gallery hours are Wednesday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

The Maine Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges season sponsor, Sherri Dunbar of Tim Dunham Realty, capital sponsor, Islebrook Village at Wiscasset, an Everbrook Senior Living Community, Fiore primary sponsor, Fogg & Dalton Art Restoration, and Fiore supporting sponsor, Ames True Value Hardware. The Juried Members Show is sponsored by Gartley & Dorsey engineers. 

A nonprofit organization since 1958, the Maine Art Gallery, located at 15 Warren Street, Wiscasset. More information can be found at www.maineartgallerywiscasset.org and on Facebook at Maine Art Gallery Wiscasset. Email info@maineartgallerywiscasset.org or phone (207) 687-8143.

Maine Farmland Trust is a statewide, member-powered nonprofit working to protect farmland, support farmers, and advance the future for farming. For more information:  www.mainefarmlandtrust.org.