Kerr+Jones Gallery in East Boothbay is honored to present an exhibition of paintings, "Oil Paint & Brine" by iconic Maine artist Philip Barter and recent works by son, Matt Barter. The gallery will host a reception on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. All are welcome. 

Depicted in Philip’s paintings are the shoreline and cliffs from Frenchman’s Bay and the Gaspé peninsula. Included will be recent work by Matt Barter from the “Downeast Kids” exhibit which tell the story of Matt growing up in Downeast Maine and the people who shaped his youth.”

A native of Boothbay, Philip Barter was self-taught, although deeply inspired by legendary American Modernists Marsden Hartley and Frederick  “Fritz” Rockwell, a sculptor and painter who worked in both New York City and East Boothbay.  

By the 1970s, Barter had moved to Downeast Maine, where he and his wife, Priscilla, raised seven children. Challenged to support his young family,  he took a 10-year hiatus from painting. He worked as a clam and worm digger and as sternman on a lobster boat. In his spare time, Barter studied art history, and with Priscilla’s support they also lived a life immersed in art with their large family.

Matt Barter has followed in his father’s footsteps but has developed his own unique style. In both his stylized paintings and wooden sculptures, he often creates Maine vignettes inspired by the working waterfront. Matt’s work is bold, distinctive … and often playful. It’s clear that the younger Barter inherited his father’s love of color. 

The exhibit will be on view at Kerr+Jones Gallery from Sept. 17 through Oct. 12. All works are available for purchase. 

Kerr+Jones Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m.The gallery address is 268 Ocean Point Road, East Boothbay. For more information please contact the gallery at info@kerrjones.com.