The 2016 Acadia ART Achievement Award goes to Russell and Linda D’Alessio. In the mid-sixties, Russell and Linda D’Alessio were introduced to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park while on vacation. Awe struck by its natural beauty, they knew someday this would become home.
The dream became reality in 1974. With Russ fresh out of art school they packed their VW bug complete with two young sons and moved to Mt. Dersert Island from New Jersey, (in February with no jobs!) Bringing their artistic creativities and passion for the arts with them, Russ, a painter sold some of his originals and prints to local galleries and Linda, her weavings. It was selling these pieces of art that floated them through their first Maine winter and solidified their love for this place.
Living here in Maine has allowed them to pursue their creativity and passion for the arts. In the late 70’s, they opened a screen print company placing Russ’s designs on garments designed by Linda. This line of fashion clothing, jewelry, and decorative accessories sold nationally and internationally including Giverny Gardens, Paris, France
During this same period they formed a side-company to help other Maine Artisans and Fine Craftsmen to market their wares, bringing Maine Art & Craft to the Maine and national market. At that time, Linda presided on the Maine Governors board formed during the McKernan administration to promote “Made in Maine.”
1989 marked the season they opened their first retail operation in Bar Harbor, Over the Moon Studios, focusing on their line of clothing and jewelry in a small space on Cottage Street. A year later they moved to larger quarters and opened Pretty Marsh Gallery, this time featuring their line of clothing and accessories and many of the “Made In Maine” artisans they represented. Operating in that location for 20 years they carried many Maine artist’s works of pottery, jewelry, and fibers arts, including Russ’s paintings, drawings, and illustrations.
Forty-three years later they remain an important part of Bar Harbor and Maine’s art community. Russell’s works can be found at D’Alessio Gallery on Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor and online. He also maintains a studio in town upstairs at Bayside Landing while Linda manages the gallery and its web presence. She is also instrumental in beginning Downtown Bar Harbor’s First Friday Art Walks and is currently Chairperson of the committee. You can find more about the D’Alessio’s on the web at: www.russelldalessioart.com
Harbor Square Gallery presents Don Best’s newest collection of hand-carved and painted animal sculptures. The latest pieces showcase his distinctive woodcarving craftsmanship and detailed paintwork, capturing a unique character of various animals. Harbor Square Gallery, now located at 37 Bay View Street Camden, ME 04843. Online at harborsquaregallery.com | IG @harborsquaregallery | FB @harborsquaregallery
Triangle Gallery will open two solo shows and one group show during ArtWalk on June 6. In the back gallery at Triangle Gallery, Susan Groce will be hanging a selection of large drawings. These impressive works span a number of years till present, displaying both the continuity and shift of her visual language. Groce work(s) […]
It’s the time of year when artists swap out work for the new season, an energized time at North Light Gallery. Now on view is new work by Candy McKellar and Robin Gerry, as well as the collection of serene watercolors of Deborah Grabber of Millinocket. Grabber was a member of the stable for a […]
Artemis Gallery continues with their current group show through June 9 featuring artwork by Morgain Bailey, Rob Finn, Jennifer Judd-McGee, Rebekah Raye and Carol Shutt. Artemis Gallery’s upcoming show opens on June 12 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the work of Maggie Hunt, Paul Kelly, Diana Roper McDowell, David Sears […]
Centre Street Arts Gallery is pleased to announce and participate in the Bath Art Walk from 4 to 7 p.m. June 20, with light refreshments. One of the featured artists is Jillian Herrigel and her work “Coastal Village.” Herrigel is just one of 20 local artists who will feature their work during the Art Walk. […]
The Deer Isle Artists Association announces the beginning of its 2025 season. From May 20 to June 14, the first exhibit, “Passage,” evokes the creative journey of artists. A range of mediums will be on display, including painting, block prints, ceramics and glass. Featured in this show are artists Kathy Carlson, Jean Gresham, Susan Keating, […]
There’s something quietly revolutionary happening at Courthouse Gallery Fine Art in Ellsworth this month, where five artists have gathered to present work that defies the comfortable boundaries of their established styles. “New Work,” running June 2 to 29, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative restlessness that drives artists to push beyond familiar territory — […]
Landing Gallery, at 409 Main Street in Rockland, will open a new solo art exhibition of 53 paintings by Sarah Faragher. “The Big Picture” runs June 6 to 29, with an opening reception from 4 to 8 p.m. June 6 during the First Friday Art Walk and meet Farager in the gallery from 4 to […]
The Pemaquid Art Gallery in Lighthouse Park, New Harbor in Bristol has opened for its 97th consecutive season, with 32 juried member artists, all residents of Lincoln County, showing paintings, collage, printmaking and ceramics. Two new members — Katey Lapinski, who paints in acrylic and makes linocut prints, often of local shells, and Mark Malinowski, […]
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