Work of traditional artists from northern Maine on display at Monson Arts

MONSON — Monson Arts — a new arts center and artists’ residency program supported by the Libra Foundation — will open a new exhibit on May 15 at its gallery in downtown Monson. “Artists of the Forest,” curated by folklorist Kathleen Mundell, features the work of six artists from Maine’s Northern Forest who work with one of the region’s most abundant resources- — wood.

“These woods are home to a group of remarkable craftsmen,” writes Mundell. “Whether shaping snowshoes, making furniture or weaving pack baskets, each artfully balances their skills and experience with traditional knowledge, keeping alive a vital part of this region’s cultural heritage.”

Photo courtesy of Peter Dembski
ARTISTS OF THE FOREST — “Artists of the Forest,” curated by Kathleen Mundell opens May 15 at Monson Arts at the downtown gallery featuring the work of a half dozen artists from Maine’s Northern Forests, including woodcarver Tom Cote of Limestone whose work is pictured.

Among works included in the exhibit are examples of new furniture produced by John Wentworth whose family owned and operated Moosehead Manufacturing in Monson and Passamaquoddy basketmaker Gabriel Frey who was recently awarded a United States Artist Fellowship. The show also features work by woodcarver Tom Cote from Limestone, craftsman and trapper Bill Mackowski, snowshoe maker Brian Theriault from Fort Kent and former logger and furniture maker Melvin Roy.

“Artists of the Forest” will be on view at the Monson Arts gallery through Aug. 11. Two days of artist demonstrations will be held at the gallery in conjunction with the exhibit on June 1 for Nosin’ Round Monson Day and July 20 during Monson’s Summerfest. There will also be opening receptions from 4-6 p.m. on these days. Gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 28.

Visit monsonarts.org to learn more about all of the exhibitions, summer workshops, residencies and programs with area schools.