LEWISTON — The Gallery at LA Arts is proud to announce an exhibition of works by Maine artists Vanessa Nesvig and André Benoit. A Further Sea features paintings of marine gardens by the Freeport-based Vanessa Nesvig and wooden assemblages by André Benoit from Boothbay Harbor. The installation will be on view from Wednesday, July 11 through Saturday, Sept. 1.

Nesvig’s work focuses on both marine and terrestrial worlds. The paintings in the Marine Garden Series featured in this show are developed from sketches of marine samples collected from the intertidal areas beneath docks and viewed through a microscope. Over time the works evolve into compositions depicting both real and exaggerated forms. Transparent glazes applied to the surface of the works highlight an aqueous effect. 

As an abstract assemblist sculptor, Benoit creates motifs and human forms using repurposed wooden remnants collected from a variety of sources. The found objects reflect the traditions of handmade craftsmanship for which Maine’s midcoast region is known, such as furniture making and boat building. Benoit uses pigment sparingly so that it does not obscure the aged surface of wood and to prevent its domination of the overall impression of the work. 

The LA Arts Gallery is at 221 Lisbon St., in Lewiston. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. The gallery is free and open to the public.

FMI: call 207-782-7228 or email laartsgallery@gmail.com.

“Seagull Woman” by André Benoit, mixed media

“Marine Garden XX” by Vanessa Nesvig, oil on panel

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