PORTLAND — The Maine Jewish Museum, created in 1921 and located in an old restored synagogue at 267 Congress St., is a hidden treasure.

It doesn’t have an art collection but showcases works on a rotating basis. Its purpose is to be a catalyst in the art world and to stimulate creativity, especially of immigrants who have come to America to make a better life for themselves and their families. Previous featured artists over two years have included Raphael Soyer, Ben Shahn, Jack Levine and Maurice Sendak.

On exhibit through Jan. 4 are works by well-known artist and author Dahlov Ipcar of Georgetown Island, whose father, William Zorach, was a famous sculptor. Born in Lithuania, he immigrated to America, moving his family to Maine in 1923. Dahlov’s mother, Maguerite Thompson Zorach, was also an artist, painting in oils and watercolors and creating tapestries. 

At 95, Dahlov Ipcar still paints every morning in her farmhouse studio overlooking an apple orchard and a large Zorach sculpture in her garden. She is surrounded by beauty, both inside her home and out.

So it is no surprise that her works at the Maine Jewish Museum radiate with bright colors and intricate designs, and reflect her vitality in life. Each work lifts your spirits and creates a sense of wonder. Many of her works look like modern tapestries in oil paint on canvas. They tell visual stories of imaginary animals prancing through mystical forests.

Her large round works reproduced on the huge hanging banner outside the museum resemble the inside of a kaleidoscope.

The most outstanding work in the exhibit is a large round piece, created inside a square canvas, titled “Blue Moon Circle.” This 34- by 34-inch oil painting done in 2011 hangs in the front entrance of the museum. It takes your breath away.

Twenty-six stunning Ipcar works line the central hallway on the first floor of the museum. Impressive oil paintings include “Studio Corner (2009), “Congo Glade” (2011) and “Indian Ponies” (2009). The second floor of the museum features an old-fashioned European sanctuary, and the third floor shows the history of Jewish culture in Maine.

Ipcar’s magnificent children’s books, reissued by Islandport Press of Yarmouth and Down East Books, are an important feature of the exhibit. Selected illustrations from her books have been recreated in fabric pillows by a fabric design company called Classic Rug Collection Inc. of Manhattan. These pillows are superb. Several rugs from the same company that could be used as wall hangings are also on display. 

Tom Crotty, owner of Frost Gully Gallery of Freeport, curated the show beautifully. The pieces are displayed creatively, are well lighted and have ample space to breathe.

A video-taped interview with Ipcar, produced by the Union of Maine Visual Artists from their Maine Master Series, plays continuously, showing her works, studio and home. 

“We are delighted to have works by such an important artist as Dahlov Ipcar on display. It supports our mission to present art of quality of local origin,” museum Executive Director Gary Berenson said.

“I am honored and delighted to be surrounded by works, both whimsical and daring,” said Ani Helmick, special projects director.

There is something for everyone in this uplifting, professionally exciting exhibit. It is a must-see show. You will discover many surprises. 

The Maine Jewish Museum is open free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; or call 329-9854 for an appointment.

Pat Davidson Reef has a master’s degree in education and has taught art history at Catherine McAuley High School in Portland. She has written two children’s books, “Dahlov Ipcar, Artist,” and “Bernard Langlais, Sculptor.”

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