Kennebunk will soon welcome a vibrant celebration of summer as Maine Art Hill presents Vacationland, a show running from August 30 through September 17, featuring the work of three talented artists, Michele Poirier Mozzone, Trip Park, and Kathy Ostrander Roberts. Each artist brings their distinct vision of Maine’s coastal charm, creating a diverse range of perspectives.
Gallery owner John Spain says the show captures exactly what makes the season special. “Vacationland is a perfect way to close out summer in Maine,” he explains. “These artists bring the coast to life in very different ways, but they all share a deep connection to this place. Visitors will see the water, the light, and the spirit of the area in every piece.”
First, Michele Poirier Mozzone combines her passion for figurative imagery and colorful abstraction to explore the unique sensation of the body suspended in water and time. Her work captures the curves and twists caused by sunlight on water.
She explains, “This series allows me to paint what I love, the figure, while exploring areas of fluid distortion that exist naturally in turbulent, sunlight-drenched water. Many of my latest pieces have a common thread of color-blocking. For me, Vacationland is about capturing the light and mood that make Maine summers unforgettable. It’s a place filled with stories, laughter, and personal moments.”
Transitioning to a very different but equally compelling approach, Trip Park embraces a more experimental process. His work is constantly evolving, shifting between brushes and palette knives as he seeks to create pieces he truly loves.
“It stings a little each time one of my paintings leaves the studio. I really want to love each one before I let it go. I owe that to anyone who purchases. If I am not happy with them, how should I expect anyone else to be?” Park is especially inspired by the rhythms of life—the colors, the movement, and the place. “This show is a way to share that energy and sense of belonging."
Rounding out the trio, Kathy Ostrander Roberts offers a distinctive voice through her encaustic paintings, using wax instead of oil to depict the essence of Maine’s coastal waters. Calling the Kennebunks home, she finds inspiration in the rugged beauty of Maine’s coastline. Roberts describes her work as a layered and sculpted translation of movement and color designed to evoke memories and longings for the shore.
“My goal is to represent the essence of water in encaustic painting by capturing scenes and translating them into vibrant representations of movement and color,” says Roberts. Reflecting on the show, she adds, “Maine’s coastline has always been a source of inspiration. Vacationland allows me to explore the seasons and memories that shape how I see my home.”
The show will be available for early exploration through a Virtual Tour on Friday, August 29. This digital event provides art lovers with the chance to experience the collection ahead of the in-person opening.
The gallery will open for show and sales at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, with an Artist Reception that evening from 5 to 7 p.m. This event offers a welcoming space to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and enjoy the works up close.
As summer draws to a close, Vacationland invites everyone to savor the season’s beauty a little longer through the eyes of artists who know it best. FMI www.maine-art.com, call 207-967-2803 or email info@maine-art.com.