FREEPORT — A special exhibition featuring Tremont artist and muralist Judy Taylor will be on view at the Thos. Moser Showroom, 149 Main St., through May 31. The show includes new oil and gouache paintings, graphite drawings and studies for the murals Taylor was commissioned to create for the Maine Department of Labor. Gov. Paul LePage set off a national firestorm in March when he ordered the mural removed.

A reception will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Taylor will present a slide show and talk about the inspiration for her work, including the murals.

Taylor’s paintings, particularly her landscapes, are quintessentially Maine. Her training is as a classical figurative and portrait painter in the atelier tradition.

Born in Nebraska, Taylor grew up in the Midwest and studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She moved to New York City in 1985 to study at the Art Students League. She was accepted into the scholarship program at the New York Academy of Figurative Art in 1986 and studied the atelier system for two years, acquiring a master’s certificate in advanced studies. During this time, she also regularly attended evening programs at the Art Students League.

In 1988, she moved to the National Academy of Design to study painting with Harvey Dinnerstein, Ron Sherr and Leo Neufeld. She spent part of the summer of 1988 studying at the Jacobs Atelier in Les Cerquex sous Passavant, France. In 1995, she moved to Mount Desert Island, where she operates her studio and gallery.

This will be Taylor’s second public appearance to discuss the labor murals; the first appearance was organized by the Portland Museum of Art. Call 865-4519 or visit thosmoser.com.

 


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