In a recent interview with me, Jamie Wyeth talked about painting as a struggle that, for him, is “not particularly enjoyable” until, after so much work, “that certain moment when it comes alive.” This might sound a bit odd in light of Wyeth’s facility and incredible chops, but it seems reasonable enough considering his work […]

WESLEY McNAIR

BRUNSWICK – The Carlo Pittore Foundation will host a “Day of 1000 Drawings” from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Fort Andross Mill in Brunswick. The afternoon will feature the sale and silent auction of 1,000 original works on paper by the late Carlo Pittore; an awards ceremony for two $1,000 grants to Maine artists […]

With the theater season in full swing, here are some options that may be less obvious: • Farmers and artists will perform an original play about local agriculture and the future of small family farms Thursday through Oct. 30 at Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Created by Jennie Hahn of Thomaston, “Of Farms […]

AUGUSTA Four Maine artists win fellowship awards The Maine Arts Commission has announced recipients of the 2012 Artists’ Fellowship Awards, one of the nation’s largest awards for individual artists made by a state arts agency. The four recipients each will receive $13,000. This year’s fellows are Allen Lowe of South Portland (performing/media arts), Claire Guyton […]

Despite its 100th birthday, abstract painting has hardly been the star of Maine’s 2011 season. But I can finally report on a couple of shows featuring terrific abstract work. Since I just wrote about another show at Aucocisco, I won’t go into detail about Cassie Jones’ muffin-puffy and scrumptiously fun retro treats, Mark Wethli’s jangling […]

It’s somehow appropriate that Tom Denenberg’s final exhibition as chief curator at the Portland Museum of Art focuses on the design and genius of the Shaker community. Denenberg, who is leaving Portland to become director of the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, has always favored exhibitions that explore the decorative arts. With degrees in American and […]