A new art show opens at Damariscotta River Grill showcasing local artists Barbara Applegate, Sandra Leinonen Dunn, Kimberly Skillin Traina, and Liliana Thelander. To celebrate the artists, the Grill is hosting a Prix Fixe three course menu Wednesday evening Aug. 19.  Three creative menu choices will be offered for $25, with a choice of wine pairings for $9, or choose a selection from the regular menu.  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. Art can be viewed through Sept. 28.

 

Primarily a studio painter, Barbara Applegate relies on her knowledge of composition, color and design to create contemporary realistic paintings of the Maine landscape. Recently, she has added pet portraits to her repertoire. "Working from photos I do several sketches just to “get to know” my subject.  I look for personality traits in the tilt of their head, brightness of the eyes and texture and color of their coat. It’ is a very intimate bond created between artist and pet.  Looking into the animal’s eyes and capturing what makes them unique is hard work but so rewarding when you see their personalities staring back at you."  Over the past 25 years, Applegate's work has been featured in numerous publications including:  American Art Collector, American Artists, American Art Review, Arts and Antiques, Down East and Yankee. Her studio and gallery is in Bristol Mills.

 

Sandra Leinonen Dunn, a prominent Maine artist residing in Chelsea, is a prolific painter working in both oils and acrylics. Using her intuitive sense of color, and her lyrical brushwork, Sandra creates paintings which express both her passion for beauty as well as her interest and respect for classical painting techniques. Born and raised in Maine, Sandra obtained both a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from USM. She has also studied at Whitelands College in London, at the Maine College of Art, and the Boston Museum School. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America, and is part of many collections throughout the U.S. and abroad.  

 

Kimberly Skillin Traina, a graphic designer and photographer, started exploring painting with soft pastels in 2011 to reconnect with creating art with her hands. Utilizing pure pigments and layering colors give Kim’s work a depth of color and intensity, whether she is capturing the rocky Maine coastline, or a dramatic sunset. She shares,"During this time of COVID-19 isolation, creating art has been even more of a lifeline than usual for me. Spending time at the easel is essential to my sense of balance, simultaneously re-energizing and grounding me in these uncharted waters. These last few months, I have been drawn to paint the ocean. Painting, sketching, being acutely aware of nature and my surroundings have helped me process my emotions, fears, and grief and has brought me to a place of strength and resilience during this time of change and uncertainty.” Kim ’s studio is in Edgecomb.