Maine Art Gallery visitors enjoyed art as well as socializing for one of the first times this season on May 15 in Wiscasset. Photo by Bob Bond

WISCASSET — The Maine Art Gallery, at 15 Warren St., opened its doors to this year’s visitors May 15 with more than 100 guests attending events both inside the historic brick building and on the lawn outside, where refreshments were served under a tent.

For many attendees, it was the first time in over a year that they had socialized in such a large group.

Artists in the current Maine Art Gallery show were asked, “What inspires you?” Colleen Kearney-Graffam, standing by her painting, “Look Up,” says that it is the interconnectedness of life systems with the natural and perceived mythical worlds. Photo by Bob Bond

Attendees commented on the diversity and quality of the 103 works of art by gallery members that were hung by curators Jorge Pena and Colleen Kearney-Graffam. The show continues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, until June 5.

As an added attraction, eight birdhouses decorated by artist members were offered in a silent auction. All of the birdhouses sold, one going for a high bid of $250.

The opening also provided an opportunity for Wendy Ross, president of the gallery’s board of trustees, to introduce the gallery’s new manager, Kerry Hadley, and to thank Sherri Dunbar of Tim Dunham Realty for her sponsorship of the 2021 gallery season.

The gallery is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and preservation of painting, sculpture and graphic arts through exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, and educational programs for children and adults. In addition to the current exhibit, the gallery offers art classes in June and July and an ongoing online auction through June 15.

For more information, visit maineartgallerywiscasset.org and the gallery’s Facebook page. Free on-street parking is available.

From left, newly-appointed gallery manager Kerry Hadley and season sponsor Sherri Dunbar were introduced by Wendy Ross at the Maine Art Gallery’s Members Show. Birdhouses decorated by artists were sold in a silent auction. Photo by Bob Bond