‘Generations: The Legacy of Mentors’ at the Maine Art Gallery

The new show at Wiscasset’s Maine Art Gallery (MAG) continues to explore the heritage that flows from the Gallery’s founding artists forward to today’s generation — a theme that began with last year’s 65th anniversary exhibit, “Generations.” The show runs May 2 – June 9, with an opening reception on Saturday, May 4, 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday – Sunday.

“Generations: The Legacy of Mentors” contains two components; the first features Maine Art Gallery artists from the 1950s and 60s, and, as art essayist Ed Beem describes in a handsome show catalogue, the many manifestations mentorship influence took on the next generation of artists shown here. The second component consists of a juried exhibit of Maine Art Gallery member artists along with statements that describe their mentors and the influences on their current work.

Philip Barter and his son Matt Barter represent the close bond of mentorship that can be found within a family. Both father and son are known for bold, colorful Maine landscapes and quirky works in wood. Another family mentorship is found in that of painter David Little an abstract painter and his uncle William Kienbush who was an expressionist.

Other mentor relationships include David Dewey, who studied with Joseph Fiore in Philadelphia and followed him to Maine. Frances Kornbluth and Elena Jahn considered Reuben Tam a mentor and drew further lessons from other Monhegan artists like Murray Hantman, Michael Loew and Morris Shulman who showed at MAG in the 60s and return in this exhibition.

Sarah Fisher, a former painting conservator, speaks of the influence of Lina Burley in helping her to be free to do her own art. Kevin Beers appreciated the generous spirit of his mentor, Alex Minewski. Stow Wengenroth was a huge influence on Gregory Dunham as an artist and friend. John Laurent was such an influence on Tom Glover that their style is very similar. Jeff Epstein studied under Lois Dodd, and Marguerite Robichaux came to Maine to work for Tom Cavanaugh, who made her realize that she could have an artist’s life.

The Generations artists will be further honored in an Artist Talk on Saturday, May 18, the birthday of Gallery founder, Mildred Burrage, at 3 p.m. Linda Burley and Lisa Jahn-Clough, whose mothers’ work is part of the exhibition, will speak about their special relationships with artists in a talk entitled “My Mother the Artist.” An artist-inspired birthday cake and sparkling wine will mark the occasion.