FARMINGTON – Heirlooms of Tomorrow will continue its “Artist of the Month” series with Mary Beth Morrison of New Sharon, showing her work in August. The public is invited to attend an Open House reception on Friday, Aug. 1, from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 11-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served and Mary Beth will be in attendance to explain her work.
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Morrison has been a fixture in the Franklin County Art Community. She is very active in the Upcountry Artist organization and has served in many capacities including president.
”I’ve been an artist since childhood, coming to Maine in 1972, marrying Scott in ’73 and raising our three children,” Morrison said. “Since 1993 I’ve had study opportunities with painters Ronal Parlin, Stan Keirstead, Marni Lawson, Mardy Bogar, Carol Seebold and Michael Ranucci.
“I favor painting landscapes and seascapes, the winter season of beloved Maine, and interesting bits from modest travels, alternating between oil, watercolor and acrylics. I’ve begun a series of internal abstract works that come from my feminine perspective. The abstract work usually surprises me with it’s symbolism. Vacation time at the ocean figures often in my paintings. Another pursuit has been doing slab work, sculpture and wheel work with area potters. Though my learning curve in clay has seemed slow, there is a different creativity locus tapped in working clay that is changing my perceptions and skills.
“Sources of inspiration, besides classes taken, have been Wild Women of Art gatherings in Farmington and Carrabassett, where 5 – 7 artists take turns leading the activity of the day, creating something fresh. Emily’s Salon, a weekday art group, has been a seminal resource. In September I rent a cottage with artist friends to work day and night on varied projects that include painting, metal work, clay and carving, and cooking.
“My work has been shown in private Maine businesses and homes, and in area art and juried shows. In June – July ’08, I was featured artist at Thomas College in Waterville. I was a coordinator and participant in the Taking Panes art collaboration which took place in a public show at the Ames Mill in Richmond in March, 08.”
Heirlooms of Tomorrow is a handcrafted fine furniture store and art gallery located at 248 Broadway in Farmington. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10-5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10-4 p.m. FMI: Dan Maxham, president dmaxham@beeline-online.net or 207-778-5315.
