Archipelago opens new gallery show, “Turning Away from the Sun”

Join Archipelago to celebrate late summer in Maine with the opening of its new gallery show, “Turning Away from the Sun,” on Friday, August 3rd. The Island Institute’s store and gallery will host a special artists’ reception from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., during Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk. The show, which includes paintings, bronze sculptures, carved wall pieces, wood folk carvings, and more, will run through October 28th.

In coordination with the recent release of the Island Institute’s 2018 Island Journal, “Turning Away from the Sun” will feature watercolor portraiture by Camden artist Abe Goodale, who is profiled in this year’s publication. Born on a working sheep farm in Montville, Maine, Goodale grew up with a connection to the land, a curiosity of people and a passion for creativity. He studied ceramics and experiential education and spent the past dozen years working internationally as an artist and wilderness guide. Abe recently returned home to focus on a project closely connected to the local waters he grew up on. As an artist, he seeks to capture his audience on an intimate level of reflection and sincerity. Through representational watercolors, Abe creates paintings that both reflect and respect the individuals he encounters.

Following in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, Charles Dana Gibson, Goodale focuses on portraiture and the representation of an era. His deep passion for the arts and anthropology inspire him to look at the way humans engage with one another and the surrounding environment. He sees the arts as a platform to instigate change, preserve culture, and provide visually enticing images that may document a way of living in an ever-changing world. After spending last fall on the water, Abe’s current work is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who make their living along the coast and an industry that is thriving, yet fragile.

Other highlighted artists in the gallery show will include Amy Peters Wood from Georgetown (egg tempera paintings), Rebekah Raye from East Blue Hill (paintings, bronze sculpture, and carved wall pieces), and Wayne Robbins from Bath (carved wood sculptures). In addition, Sanford glassmaker Karen Gola and Appleton wood turner Richard Dunham will continue to show in the gallery through the fall.

The public is invited to stop into the gallery’s 386 Main Street location to enjoy light refreshments, see the new pieces, and meet some of the artists. In addition to the August 3rd reception, Archipelago will be open extended hours, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for the Arts in Rockland First Friday Art Walk events on September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, and November 23rd.

The Archipelago Fine Arts Gallery features artists who work with natural, coastal, and working waterfront themes inspired by living and creating art in Maine. Located at 386 Main Street in Rockland, both the store and gallery and are open seven days a week; Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.