"Manhattan with the Swings" by Caroline Davis.
“Manhattan with the Swings” by Caroline Davis.

Some artists find inspiration reacting to current news.  More, along with art enthusiasts, find inspiration in other places as refuge from the impact of political events. Where is your muse or amusement?

 Starting Friday July 13, Stable Gallery’s show titled, “Inspirations”, displays a diverse set of inspired artworks.  The public opening is planned for Friday, July 13th from 5-7PM. 

 From jewelry by Damariscotta artist Mary Hall to bronze flying sculpture by Laura Freeman of Rockport, this month’s artwork at Stable Gallery shines with inspiration from many sources.

 Bruce Habowski uses daily scenes for his paintings’ roots. Small canvases of buildings, boats and railroad cars result and draw visitors in with auras of calm. 

 While no people appear in Habowski’s work, humans are the focus of Laura Freeman’s work.  Freeman creates bronze figures hanging from disks as dancers or gymnasts.  The results are tantalizingly beautiful.

 Shells and rhythms of the sea form the basis of Fiona Washburn’s designs for her painted silk scarves.

 Caroline Davis’  recent work is inspired by love and loss. “In 2017 I lost several loved ones. I then painted a portrait of my Mother followed by paintings of family and friends. Turns out, I really enjoy it, and it has been very cathartic,” says Davis who is more often known for her soulful animals.

 Hati Modr annually visits Monhegan Island to draw boats, buildings and their shadows.  Modr then returns to her studio in Harpswell and finds inspiration “playing with colors”, as she says.

 Polly Smith, of Freeport, uses flowers she grows or local scenes that catch her eye as the basis of her spirited watercolors.  “I paint all seasons and varied subjects so long as the composition and colors are strong.”

 Every year brings a new twist to Pamela Hanson’s colorful paintings.  This month, Hanson features landscapes departing from her recent bottles, ribbons and candy paintings.

 Louis Charlett delights in highlighting the grains of exotic woods in his trays, clocks, and tables.

 Mary Hall has a story behind each of her jewelry pieces based on how she found the stones or what the shapes have meant over time. Mary’s earrings, pins and necklaces are beauty to be worn.

 Finally, Jackie Melissas finds inspiration from the sensuous nature of clay and fire.  The cups and vases that result reflect archeological roots with contemporary flavor.

 The “Inspirations” show is installed at Stable Gallery thru August 8.  Stable Gallery is open daily 10-5 and located at 28 Water Street, Damariscotta.  For more information call 563-1991, or visit the gallery’s website, www.stablegallerymaine.com.