“Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” by Barbara Chase.

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” — Anthony Douglas Williams

“The ‘Eyes’ Have It,” a solo show by Barbara Chase, runs from Sept. 14 through Nov. 5 at Monkitree, 263 Water St., Gardiner.

Chase, an acrylic artist living in Waterville, paints a wide variety of subjects. In this show, she focuses on animals, specifically focusing on the eyes.

“I love to find animals, birds and even bees that have distinctive eyes. The beauty in the eyes of other species serves to remind us that all living creatures have an equally special place in our universe,” she says.

Chase likes to present a subject that is staring at the observer, providing an animal-to-human connection.

It has been said that an animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. Art can help inspire reflection and encourage connection. In “The ‘Eyes’ Have It,” Chase allows us to get up close and personal with the animals — and a few insects — in her paintings.

A portion of the sales of the paintings in this show will be donated to Johnson Hall as part of The Gardiner Creativity Fund Challenge, a program where The Gardiner Creativity Fund will match donations by the creative community toward the capital campaign to renovate the historic Johnson Hall into a state-of-the-art performing arts space. Chase will also be offering bookmarks for sale with the proceeds going to the Gardiner Creativity Fund Challenge during the length of the show. 

The show can be seen at Monkitree during regular shop hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

There will not be an opening reception.

Go to www.monkitree.com for additional information.