Artist Mary Beth Morrison holds a seascape she painted.

Morrison’s work hanging at Heirlooms

FARMINGTON – Heirlooms of Tomorrow will continue its Artist of the Month series with Mary Beth Morrison of New Sharon showing her work in August. The public is invited to attend an open house reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Refreshments will be served and Morrison will be in attendance to explain her work.

Morrison has been a fixture in the Franklin County Art Community. She is active in the Upcountry Artist organization and has served in many capacities, including president.

She said, “I’ve been an artist since childhood, coming to Maine in 1972, marrying Scott in ’73 and raising our three children.

Since 1993 I’ve had study opportunities with painters Ronal Parlin, Stan Keirstead, Marni Lawson, Mardy Bogar, Carol Seebold and Michael Ranucci.”

Morrison said, “I favor painting landscapes and seascapes, the winter season of beloved Maine, and interesting bits from modest travels, alternating between oil, watercolor and acrylics. I’ve begun a series of internal abstract works that come from my feminine perspective. The abstract work usually surprises me with its symbolism. Vacation time at the ocean figures often in my paintings.

“Another pursuit has been doing slab work, sculpture and wheel work with area potters. Though my learning curve in clay has seemed slow, there is a different creativity locus tapped in working clay that is changing my perceptions and skills.”

Sources of inspiration also include Wild Women of Art gatherings in Farmington and Carrabassett, and Emily’s Salon, a weekday art group.

Morrison said in September “I rent a cottage with artist friends to work day and night on varied projects that include painting, metal work, clay and carving and cooking.”

Her work has been shown in Maine businesses and homes and in area art and juried shows. In June and July she was featured artist at Thomas College in Waterville. She was a coordinator and participant in the Taking Panes art collaboration, which took place in a public show at the Ames Mill in Richmond in March.

Morrison teaches workshops in watercolor and acrylic from her home studio or on location.

Heirlooms of Tomorrow is located at 248 Broadway. For more information, call Dan Maxham at 778-5315 or e-mail [email protected].