At the Entrance to the New Exhibit is This Painting by Artist Sandi Lennemson,.

Claims Fresh from the Clam Flats is a Painting of Sandi Lemmens at the Show in Freeport.

Forty-three (43) Maine artists mounted a show:   “Our Working Waterfront” at the Meetinghouse Arts Gallery, Freeport today.  The show   runs  through July 7th.  Some of those displaying artists attended an opening reception late this afternoon.  The new 40 Main Street art gallery is approaching its first anniversary – it opened in  June of 2021.

One of those artists exhibiting in the show and attending the opening reception was landscape artist  Mary Brooking, a resident of Westbrook.   “This is a wonderful pairing of a  501(C) non-profit and the First Congregational Church of Freeport that needed income and the arts center that needed a place to exhibit the art work of local artists.  It’s a beautiful marriage of the two,” she said.

From Ohio, back in 1997 she relocated to Maine.  Brooking has always been an artist. She’d been a graphic artist for twenty (20) years before transitioning to fine arts.  That was a goal she’d always wqrked toward.  That day arrived years ago in Maine. This is the third time Brooking has exhiibited in the Meetinghouse Art Gallery.

This newly formed art gallery is a collective.  Part of what that means is that all participants volunteer their time to keep the gallery functioning with as little overhead as is possible.  Incidentally, most of its exhibitors as well as organizers are women.  A percentage of its sales goes to the Church in which it is housed for its rent.

If you enjoy the waterfront in any way, this art show is one not to be missed. Whether fishing, clamming, or sailing is your interest, there is most likely an appealing painting to delight you from a group of talented artists.

Unfortunately, the venue lacks any documentation that describes the work and mission of each presenting artist in the show.  Nor is there any spokesperson designated to  answer questions about the show.   This blogger was told to expect  contact information from the executive director and others to answer questions. But, that contact information never arrived. Perhaps communication will improve as the venue matures.  Admission is free. On street parking can be challenging.. So  try  a nearby L.L. Bean parking lot.

For more background information on the Meetinghouse Arts Gallery, please visit post herein dated November 15, 202.