“En-route: Moonrise over Rt. 3, January 9, 1:54 PM” by Liv Kristin Robinson.

David Estey curated an exhibit of art by 28 well-known and little-known artists in the mid-coast area that opened with a reception on Jan. 27 at Waterfall Arts, 256 High St. in Belfast.

The exhibit contains a wide range of drawings, collages, paintings, photos and sculptures created by members of a new Mid-coast Chapter of the Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA).

The Midcoast chapter of UMVA was formed when artists Liv Kristin Robinson, Sally Stanton, Ann Tracy and Deb Vendetti — who took turns traveling to Portland to carry work to exhibits — discussed the possibility of re-forming a Midcoast chapter of UMVA. From 2003 to 2008, the Midcoast UMVA chapter had been vibrant and active with monthly meetings, guest speakers and group exhibition opportunities in the Midcoast and beyond.  After an internet survey of the UMVA members showed there was great interest in a Midcoast community, the chapter began to take shape.

“Rain Prayer” by Emily Sabino.

Estey is a well-known Maine abstract-expressionist painter whose work has been featured in 24 solo shows and more than 100 group and juried exhibits. Estey has been making art for 70 plus years, producing more than 100 sketchbooks and 10,000 pieces of art. His work is held in private and public collections in 20 states and seven countries. 

Estey is a member of the UMVA board of directors, an art instructor and former longtime figure drawing monitor at Waterfall Arts. He has lived, worked and taught art in Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, North Carolina and Midcoast Maine. He currently resides in Belfast and is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and George Washington University. Early in his career, he served as an illustrator in the army and a public affairs professional for the federal government. To learn more, visit davidestey.com.

The show will remain on view through Feb. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Learn more at www.theumva.org, or email www.midcoast.umva@gmail.com to contact the local chapter.