Nichols graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in chemistry, and worked in the pulp and paper industry for many years. Though drawn toward the arts, she didn’t start painting seriously until she was in her 30s. She studied art at Westbrook College, the University of Southern Maine, and Maine College of Art. A painting workshop on Monhegan Island inspired her to study landscape painting with well-known artists like Don Stone and Charles Movalli.

In 2000, she left the paper industry after 24 years to paint full time. Most of her paintings are done on location, and she paints in coastal Maine, including the woods and marshes of Yarmouth, Freeport, and Acadia National Park. She has visited Ireland and England as well.

Joyce Coyne is a watercolorist artist from Auburn who paints on location to produce work that she described as having “an impressionistic feel with a touch of realism.”

Coyne has participated in art festivals for several years. She has been involved in set design for “Peter Pan,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” and “Spamalot.” As part of the staff at the Franco Center in Lewiston, she is responsible for planning and executing motifs and décor for their many events, weddings, and concerts.

Over the years, Coyne has painted many gardens, homes and murals in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area and her style has become recognizable.

The artwork may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC on Main Street. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.