Join Archipelago on Friday, September 7th, from 5:00 pm. To 8:00 p.m., during Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk, for a second artist reception with Abe Goodale to celebrate the current gallery show, “Turning Away from the Sun.” The show, which features watercolor portraits by Goodale, also includes paintings, bronze sculptures, carved wall pieces, wood folk carvings, and a broad array of work from other coastal Maine artists.

Through his representational watercolors, Goodale creates paintings that both reflect and respect the individuals he encounters. His current project, “Eastern Waters,”—featured in this year’s Island Journal—is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who make their living along the coast and an industry that is thriving, yet fragile. With a family connection to Eagle Island dating back several generations, he is committed to telling the stories of Maine’s fisherman and sharing the coast he knows and loves. As Abe explains, he has left the individuals he paints anonymous as a means to respect them and to “allow your mind to wander and think towards the feeling of salt on your skin, wind in the hair and a relationship to the sea.”

Other work highlighted in “Turning Away from the Sun” includes egg tempera paintings by Amy Peters Wood; paintings, bronze sculptures, and carved wall pieces by Rebekah Raye; and wood folk carvings by Wayne Robbins. In addition, newly added pieces will include the work of fiber artist Sue Stasiowski.

Stasiowski is a fiber artist who became interested in needle felting after years of making hand knit clothing and blankets. She spends most of her time needle felting and knitting in her home studio in Camden, but also makes time to teach needle felting workshops and experiment with other art forms such as fiber wall hangings, bowls, and other three-dimensional sculptures. Her art has been commissioned or purchased by art lovers in Texas, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as throughout the northeastern United States.

The public is invited to stop into Archipelago’s 386 Main Street location on September 7th to enjoy light refreshments, see tall of the pieces, and talk to Abe Goodale about his work. “Turning Away from the Sun” will run through October 28th.

In addition to the September 7th reception, Archipelago will also be open extended hours, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for the Arts in Rockland First Friday Art Walk on October 5th.