Artist Philippe Guillerm works in his workshop at Philippe Guillerm Gallery in Waldoboro, behind the teller window of the former bank, during ArtWalk Waldoboro, Saturday, July 8. (Christine LaPado-Breglia photo)
ArtWalk Waldoboro kicked off for the season Saturday, July 8. Like last year’s ArtWalk, this year’s version features Philippe Guillerm Gallery, the Heywood Gallery, and Tidemark Gallery. But this year, some new stops have been added, most notably Valerie Greene Gallery and Long Winter Soap Co., which, by the looks (and fabulous smell) of it, seems to have mastered the art of soapmaking.
The Heywood Gallery, a renovated old house at 921 Main St., is the domain of artist Anne Heywood. Heywood, who describes herself as an American realist, excels at pastel landscapes and portraits of vegetables, including the charcoal drawings “Turban Front” and “Turban Back,” of a turban squash from different points of view. There is a gravity to her work, a dignity emitted that speaks to a deep respect for her subject matter.
Heywood also has a sense of humor. “Visitor” is a charming pastel piece depicting the tail end of a red pickup peeking from between two white and green cabins in a row of cabins. The red in the American flag flying from a nearby flagpole nicely complements the red of the truck.
Heywood does commissioned pet portraits as well. “Annie’s Girls,” for instance, a pastel of three cats, is lovely.
One of the perks of visiting the Heywood Gallery during ArtWalk is the warm hospitality from Heywood’s husband, noted architect Bob Heywood. He offers wine, sparkling water, and other beverages; points out the table filled with treats, such as chocolate-mint brownies, walnuts, and watermelon; and provides lively conversation.
Just down the street, at 902 Main St., is Tidemark Gallery, which is currently highlighting the excellent work of Friendship charcoal artist Pam Cabanas and the playful, colorful bird paintings of Chris Augusta that make up his “Rebel Angels” show at the gallery. Hanging out in the rear room of the gallery perusing Augusta’s pieces while eating the yummy hors d’oeuvres on offer in that room was a delight.
Philippe Guillerm Gallery, at 882 Main St., weighs in with an imaginative array of wood sculptures by Philippe Guillerm, made from wood that he collects during half-year-long boat adventures in the Caribbean, as his hospitable wife, Jackie Guillerm, pointed out. He lets the wood that he finds dry out for a year, Jackie Guillerm said, before fashioning the piece into a stunning sculpture that always seems to resemble a stringed musical instrument. Guillerm’s work is beautiful and not to be missed.
Paintings in Valerie Greene’s river series. (Christine LaPado-Breglia photo)
Paintings by Samuel Morgan, including the large oil-on-canvas piece “Long Horn Steer,” are also on display at Philippe Guillerm Gallery and serve to round out the gallery’s wonderful exhibit. Recorded French music and hors d’oeuvres added to the pleasant experience.
Valerie Greene, a newcomer on the Waldoboro art scene as of last October, runs cheery little Valerie Greene Studio, at 149 Jefferson St., overlooking the Medomak River. Greene moved to Maine from Fresno, Calif., a place she described as “sucking the life out of me.” Easy to talk with, Greene said she loves Waldoboro, as it is “centrally located between Rockland and Portland” and there is “art everywhere. It’s just fabulous!” She also loves her view of the river. “The river is my inspiration,” she said.
Greene’s series of river paintings is beautiful, as is her varied encaustic work, such as her creative encaustic-with-photo-transfer pieces of lighthouses and boats – not the usual tourist fare.
“I don’t like to paint the same thing over and over again,” Greene said. “And I get bored working in the same medium.”
Greene’s studio is stop No. 5 on the ArtWalk Waldoboro maps available at all ArtWalk Waldoboro venues.
Overall, ArtWalk Waldoboro was fairly well-attended. Hopefully, as the word gets out, more people will take the opportunity to enjoy the superb art, food, and hospitality that ArtWalk Waldoboro has to offer.
ArtWalk Waldoboro takes place on the second Saturday of each month through October from 4-7 p.m. The next ArtWalk Waldoboro will take place Saturday, Aug. 12. Look for the red balloons identifying each stop.
