A new show opens April 13 at the Damariscotta River Grill featuring seasoned artists Sandra Leinonen Dunn, Sandy Harper, Doug Houle, Susan Tilton Pecora and Kimberly Skillin Traina.  Five distinct styles and mediums explore a number of themes, each capturing a unique viewpoint depicting the natural beauty of Maine. The art will be on display through Nov. 16.

The “Art at the Grill” opening reception is Wednesday, April 15. Celebrate the artists and join us for a special Prix Fixe three course menu with a choice of wine pairings, or choose a selection from the regular menu, from 4 to  8:30 p.m. Visit www.damariscottarivergrill.com for more information and/or to make a reservation.

Sandra Leinonen Dunn is a prominent Maine artist with a studio in Chelsea. Ms. Dunn is a traditional painter working in oil. which express both her passion for beauty as well as her interest and respect for classical painting techniques. "I am a traditional painter working mainly in oils.  Painting for me is like mediation.  When I am working on a  subject, I am in my right brain where logic and words do not exist, and where the world becomes only nameless shapes and infinite shades of color. The more I look at my subject, the more I see! This is what fascinates me." https://www.sleinonendunn.com/

Rugged course-grained rock outcrops, luminous crashing water, shifting cloud formations and spectacular autumnal foliage have been the hallmarks of Sandy Harper’s work for more than 40 years. Shared Sandy, “Maine seascapes with their challenge of ever changing light and dynamic movement continue to be a favorite subject to paint.  I want to reflect the mood and powerful movement of the sea, the resilience and intricacies of the shoreline rocks and the radiance of the light striking the water.”  https://www.sandyharperpaintings.com/

Artist Doug Houle lives in Jefferson, Maine and has been traveling northern New England for over 30 years. His focus has been painting, primarily in oil, New England's buildings, landscapes, boatyards and docks, creating dramatic images using light and color. "I am drawn to the charm and nostalgia around old homes and barns, store fronts, lighthouses and boatyards giving recognition to the historical relevance they have in our communities," he said. https://www.douglas-houle-studio.com/

Susan Tilton Pecora was raised in Marblehead, MA where she grew to appreciate the quality of light and the intrinsic beauty of New England, painting the streets and seaports of New England since she was a child.  “I work in watercolor, egg tempera and oil. My paintings begin with a pencil or ink sketch then a watercolor or underpainting in oil on location. I finish the piece in my studio. New England is so beautiful and diverse, I hope to be painting it for another 40 years.” https://susanpecora.com/

Kimberly Skillin Traina is a graphic designer, photographer and artist living in Edgecomb. She lived on Peaks Island for 10 years, where her love affair with islands began. Kim creates her pastel paintings utilizing the pure pigments of soft pastels and her fingers to layer many colors on top of an underpainting, creating depth and luminescence. https://www.kimtraina.com/Nov

Both her pastels and  work in acrylics are a spiritual interpretation of nature, light and atmosphere through her depiction of skies, clouds, islands, reflections, water and waves. “I love being outdoors, connecting with nature, creating in my studio, losing all sense of time and place. Whether I’m painting plein-air or from a photograph, the end result is always it’s own story, conveying my passion for this beautiful place I call home."

The Grill, located at 155 Main St., Damariscotta, is open seven nights for dinner, starting at 4 p.m. Daily Happy Hour is 3-5:30 p.m. with discounted drinks and appetizers. Follow us on Facebook or the website.