KITTERY Melissa Lea Kittery Art Association

“Color Fields” and “Mark Making” opened March 20 at The Kittery Art Association. These exhibits explore the use of vibrant color, abstraction and the strategic use of mark-making to tell visual stories. It showcases artwork that uses bold, contrasting palettes and dynamic texture to create visual tension and harmony. Pieces use strokes, shapes, and colors to evoke movement and meaning.

An opening reception was held March 23. The shows remain on view through April 13.

Works by spotlight artist Melissa Lea are also on view. Known for her large expressive bouquets, Lea’s abstract paintings feature bold colors and dynamic marks that exude energy and her joy for life. Her intuitive process opens her imagination to possibilities and subjects ranging from landscapes and botanical bouquets to interiors, exteriors and nonrepresentational abstractions.

She is a New Hampshire native who resides in Barrington with her husband of 25-plus years. Her art career combines her experiences in business and education, with her experiences of faith, New England heritage, and the abundance of natural goodness that surrounds her. She is a self-taught intuitive artist who paints from imagination without reference or a defined plan. Her artwork has been exhibited regionally, internationally online, and has been awarded and published. Acrylic, gouache, oil pastels, soft pastels and other media are on her palette. She explores subjects and media with the intention of sharing the freedom to create with others.

In “her words: Your spirit should be edified, uplifted, and curious when you experience my art, maybe a piece will cause you to pause a moment, release your thoughts, and explore possibilities.”

The Kittery Art Association is at 2 Walker St., Kittery. Learn more at www.kitteryartassociation.org, or call 207-451-9384.