The 2016 Acadia ART Achievement Award goes to Russell and Linda D’Alessio. In the mid-sixties, Russell and Linda D’Alessio were introduced to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park while on vacation. Awe struck by its natural beauty, they knew someday this would become home.
The dream became reality in 1974. With Russ fresh out of art school they packed their VW bug complete with two young sons and moved to Mt. Dersert Island from New Jersey, (in February with no jobs!) Bringing their artistic creativities and passion for the arts with them, Russ, a painter sold some of his originals and prints to local galleries and Linda, her weavings. It was selling these pieces of art that floated them through their first Maine winter and solidified their love for this place.
Living here in Maine has allowed them to pursue their creativity and passion for the arts. In the late 70’s, they opened a screen print company placing Russ’s designs on garments designed by Linda. This line of fashion clothing, jewelry, and decorative accessories sold nationally and internationally including Giverny Gardens, Paris, France
During this same period they formed a side-company to help other Maine Artisans and Fine Craftsmen to market their wares, bringing Maine Art & Craft to the Maine and national market. At that time, Linda presided on the Maine Governors board formed during the McKernan administration to promote “Made in Maine.”
1989 marked the season they opened their first retail operation in Bar Harbor, Over the Moon Studios, focusing on their line of clothing and jewelry in a small space on Cottage Street. A year later they moved to larger quarters and opened Pretty Marsh Gallery, this time featuring their line of clothing and accessories and many of the “Made In Maine” artisans they represented. Operating in that location for 20 years they carried many Maine artist’s works of pottery, jewelry, and fibers arts, including Russ’s paintings, drawings, and illustrations.
Forty-three years later they remain an important part of Bar Harbor and Maine’s art community. Russell’s works can be found at D’Alessio Gallery on Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor and online. He also maintains a studio in town upstairs at Bayside Landing while Linda manages the gallery and its web presence. She is also instrumental in beginning Downtown Bar Harbor’s First Friday Art Walks and is currently Chairperson of the committee. You can find more about the D’Alessio’s on the web at: www.russelldalessioart.com
Dominique Ostuni’s solo exhibition, “Would an Angel Apologize for Spilling Champagne,” is on view through Oct. 3 at Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland. A centerpiece of the exhibition is “Excess Comes Naturally,” an elaborate mirror standing more than 8 feet tall. The work begins with an ordinary functional object, then overwhelms that function with porcelain, […]
Waterfall Arts will invite the public inside more than 40 artist studios during the Lincoln Street Center Fall Open Studios from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 at 24 Lincoln St. in Rockland. During the free event, artists will open their studios and welcome visitors into their creative spaces. Guests can explore Rockland’s historic former […]
“Made in Maine,” the Maine Art Gallery’s annual member show, features more than 100 works of art across two floors of the historic Old Academy building in Wiscasset. The exhibition is on view through Oct. 18. Sara Stites of Thomaston, a new member, is showing at the gallery for the first time. Her oil painting […]
High Peaks Artisan Guild in Kingfield features Western Maine watercolor artist Karen Jordan Paul throughout September. Paul draws inspiration from wildlife found throughout Maine, particularly wild birds and fish. The guild celebrated Paul as its featured artist of the month during the Sept. 4 Kingfield Art Walk. High Peaks Artisan Guild is at 245 Main […]
Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle presents “Material Storytelling,” a three-artist exhibition featuring new work by Sheep Jones, Michele Ratté Delphin and Barbara Sullivan, through Oct. 11. The three artists use distinct materials and techniques to explore narrative, light and the quiet poetry of everyday objects. Jones brings her signature combination of oil and cold wax […]
Photographer Melonie Bennett will discuss her exhibition and debut monograph, “Holy Cow!,” from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts in Portland. The event will include an interview, reading and book signing. Photographer and writer Robert Diamante, a friend and fellow photographer, will interview Bennett. “Holy Cow!” presents an […]
Centre Street Arts Gallery in downtown Bath will open its fall show during the Bath Art Walk from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 18. The gallery represents 20 local artists and will feature new work in its fall exhibition. Visitors can meet the artists, explore the show and enjoy refreshments during the reception. Centre Street […]
Maine artist Daryne Rockett will present “Restoring Liberty,” an exhibition of monotypes and mixed-media work, from Oct. 2 to Nov. 24 at the McDade Gallery at Bangor Public Library. The exhibition brings together two interconnected bodies of work examining freedom, democracy, justice and hope. In a series of layered monotypes, the Statue of Liberty appears […]
Maine Craft Weekend, an annual statewide celebration of craft, community and creativity, will return Oct. 3 and 4. The free, self-guided tour invites visitors to discover the people, places and stories behind Maine’s craft communities. Hundreds of participating artists and locations will host open studios, workshops, pop-up markets, exhibitions, fairs, artist talks, special events and […]