Fiddlehead event will feature Maine artists painting in outdoor settings

NEW GLOUCESTER – Fiddlehead Center for the Arts will hold its annual Autumn Celebration: Fresh Paint Event and Auction fund-raiser Saturday, Sept. 24.

It will feature well-known Maine artists who will go to area communities and, with nature as their inspiration, paint for the day using oils, acrylics, watercolors or pastels.

The paintings created during the day are then auctioned off that evening at a “fresh paint” live auction, with proceeds benefiting the center.

Using a map that identifies the artists’ chosen locations, the public can observe the artists at work, whether they’re painting a countryside, apple orchard, coastal setting, farmland or historic building in one of eight designated communities: New Gloucester, Gray, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Freeport, Pownal or North Yarmouth.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see these talented artists firsthand as they become inspired by the stunning landscapes and vivid fall colors,” says Mary Jo Marquis, the center’s artistic director.

“We encourage families to bring their children and watch the creative process of the artists at work.”

Maps will be available at Fiddlehead Center for the Arts and painting will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For a $10 ticket, people can attend a reception and auction that begins at 5:30 p.m. with wine and appetizers, accompanied by live music.

During the reception, attendees will be see the preview exhibition of the artists’ completed work. At 7 p.m., the fresh paint auction will begin, led by auctioneer Jim Cyr of Cyr Auction Co.

This year’s event will include a silent auction with art center instructors’ artwork and other special items.

For more information, tickets for the reception and auction or artist applications, contact Fiddlehead Center for the Arts at www.fiddleheadcenter.org or (207) 688-2244.