Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery announces the official opening of its sculpture garden located on the waterfront side of the gallery. The garden was an inspiration of local stone sculptor Dick Alden, who has long visualized large stone sculptures there set against the beautiful backdrop of the tidal waters which flow inside the footbridge. Several of the largest pieces were created at the J.C. Stone Symposium where Dick and 13 other sculptors worked closely together for 10 straight days last fall in a wonderfully chaotic and energizing environment.

Alden, Studio 53’s featured artist for August, has been carving wood and stone for 30 years, full time in mostly marble and granite for the past three years at his Starfish Studio on Back Narrows Road. Dick describes his art: “Renowned Maine sculptor William Zorach said it best 'Rhythm is a cosmic force. The sense of movement is deeply rooted. It is universal.' I enjoy the mentally and physically intensive process or carving and shaping my pieces to exude a rhythmic motion, balance and harmony in the final composition. The challenge is to capture that special spirit which each stone possesses.”  

His latest works were inspired by nature’s beautiful seed pods, which later evolved into “soul mates,” a series emoting deep loving relationships. This new  show features large sculptures, including over seven-foot-tall “great stone flowers” in the new waterfront sculpture garden, as well as many smaller pieces inside the gallery. He is a professional member and treasurer of the Maine Stone Workers Guild. His artworks are in private collections throughout the U.S.

Visual artist and Boothbay Harbor native Susan Webster is the August guest artist. The new exhibit from the Art Collectivealsoshowcases work by the following artists: oil paintings by Bob McKay, mixed media work by Paula Ragsdale, paintings in oil and in pastel by Lynne Seitzer, woven tapestries and mono prints by Cilla Alden, paintings in oil by John M.T. Seitzer, watercolor paintings and metal sculpture by Heidi Seidelhuber, graphite drawings of music and watercolor abstracts by Terry Seaman and stone sculptures by Donna Denniston.

All are welcome to join the artists at a reception on Friday, August 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Current exhibits will be on view through Tuesday August 28. More art and information can be found at www.studio53fineart.com.