Thos. Moser opens its showroom in Freeport with two exhibitions on view

In November, Thos. Moser opened at its showroom in Freeport, an exhibition of plein air paintings that depicts Maine’s striking physical landscape throughout the four seasons. The landscapes on display offer a complement to Thos. Moser’s finely crafted wood furniture, highlighting the spirit of Maine as a source of inspiration for both.

The exhibition includes 30 works showcasing the centuries-old practice of painting outdoors — en plein air — and the resultant unique capturing of light and the realities of the surrounding environment. Featured artists include J. Thomas R. Higgins, Vanessa Michalak, John David O’Shaughnessy, Sean Ware, Russel Whitten and curator and professor Charles Thompson.

This show at Thos. Moser is the third in a series with this group of Maine-based plein air artists who, following in the footsteps of many 19th and 20th century plein air painters, have found value in showing their work as a collective. Previously, members of the group have displayed their work together at the George Marshall Store Gallery in York and the Saco Museum.

Though not a typical gallery space, Thos. Moser has been exhibiting fine art alongside its nationally renowned furniture for 40 years, a tradition that Thos. Moser began at its first showroom in Portland.

Visitors to this exhibition will be impressed by the artists’ distinct and emotive articulation of the ethos of Maine, celebrating in oil and watercolor the stark beauty of the woods in winter, the state’s iconic coastline and, of course, the magnificent colors that are a hallmark of autumn here. Together, these plein air landscapes create a visual journey through Maine’s distinct vistas, offering a contemplative and joyful viewing experience.

The exhibition will be on display at Thos. Moser through Dec. 31. Thos. Moser hosted a meet-and-greet with the artists on Nov. 14.

The Freeport showroom and gallery is also hosting a retrospective exhibition and open house featuring artists who have previously exhibited with Thos. Moser over the past 40 years, beginning in 1984.

More than 50 contemporary Maine artists will exhibit their current and past work, including collage, drawing, painting, photography, prints and sculpture. The work will showcase a variety of mediums and styles, from traditional to abstract. The artwork is currently on display and will remain on view through Jan. 31.

Thos. Moser in Freeport is located at 149 Main St. See www.thosmoser.com for details.