Meetinghouse Kustra The Alchemy of Love and Anger
Work on view at Meetinghouse Arts Gallery.

Meetinghouse Arts Gallery in Freeport offers its first abstract show featuring 31 artists working in oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, stoneware, encaustic, assemblage and photography. The “Perceptions” exhibition highlights a range of approaches to abstraction and invites artists to consider how their work contributes to this ongoing visual dialogue.

“Perceptions” will be on display from Sept. 12 through Oct. 18. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 12.

Meetinghouse staceylodato beaten path
Work on view at Meetinghouse Arts Gallery.

The show offers artists an opportunity to stretch the boundaries of their art practices. Whether they’re exploring new ways of interpreting the Maine landscape or perhaps working in a fully nonrepresentational language of color, shape or line, this show brings fresh vision to Meetinghouse Arts Gallery, says Liz Prescott, artist and Meetinghouse Arts gallery committee founder and former member of the board of directors.

The show was juried by Jenny McGee Dougherty, associate director of Artists at Work & Alumni Relations Maine College of Art & Design. Dougherty is a visual artist and surface designer based in South Portland. She earned her BFA in printmaking from Maine College of Art in 2005 and has since developed a multifaceted practice that spans painting, textiles, murals and surface design. Her work explores abstraction through a deep engagement with place and process.

“It was a pleasure to serve as juror for ‘Perceptions,’” says Dougherty. “I hold a deep appreciation for the way abstract art can transcend the parameters of representation, inviting both artist and viewer into a space of open interpretation and experimentation. The works selected for this exhibition reflect the breadth of approaches to abstraction, each an example of the artist’s singular vision and way of navigating through the world.”

Meetinghouse Arts Gallery is at 40 Main St., Freeport. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and by appointment. See meetinghousearts.org, or call 207-865-0040 for more information.