For the month of June, colorful images of paintings and mixed media compositions inspired by the majestic American Chestnut tree will be on exhibit June 2-29 at the Rising Tide Co-op in Damariscotta.

The exhibition, titled “Bringing Back the Giants of the Forest,” will combine the efforts of Coreysha Stone, artist and educator, and Eric Evans, breeding coordinator for the Maine Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF). This is the second event of its kind, as Stone and Evans teamed up in June of 2014 to raise both awareness of, and support for, the restoration efforts of the TACF. 

An opening reception that includes a hands-on-learning program presented by Evans and a wine tasting will be held on Friday,  June 7 from 4-6 p.m.        

The focus of the learning presentation will be on the breeding program that is developing blight resistant American Chestnut trees. Historically, the American Chestnut tree was an essential element of ecosystems from Maine to Florida. After the blight (a fungal pathogen) was introduced to North America in the 1900s this extremely valuable resource was decimated. Since 1983 TACF has been coordinating a six-generation breeding program to develop regionally adapted, disease-resistant chestnuts and is developing restoration programs throughout the country. Evans will have chestnut seedlings, leaves, flowers, fruits, nuts, and lumber on site. Half of all proceeds from art sales will go to the Maine Chapter of the TACF.

Come show your support! For more information about this art show, call Rising Tide, 207-563-5556 or visit www.risingtide.coop. Rising Tide is located at 323 Main Street.