Richard Keen, Union River No. 2, Acrylic and oil canvas, 20 x 18 in
The historic Courthouse Gallery of Fine Art is celebrating 20 years in business. It has opened an homage to their very first exhibit, inviting local artists to imagine Ellsworth as a muse.
"When I look around the room, and I realize, I'm looking outside and Ellsworth is all around me. People focus on the main drag but there's parts of it that are really beautiful that sometimes get ignored, and these artists have found those," said Karin Wilkes, director and co-founder of the gallery.
"That's what artists do, we sort of look for things, and we're taking some time to slow down and look at what might be overlooked...at twilight...the sky turns this gorgeous cobalt blue color and the lights sort of shine from within the buildings and it's an interesting time of day to paint," shared Sullivan resident and artist Philip Frey.
The artists say it's a chance for locals and visitors alike to experience Ellsworth through a multitude of perspectives.
"I've spent a lot of hours in libraries, but the Ellsworth one is really special, being beside the river there. This [painting], I was standing up above on the second floor, so I could look down into that reading room with the tables and it was quiet, and lovely," shared Monroe artist Allison Rector.
Richard Keen of Surry painted two abstract interpretations of Jordan Preserve, a part of Ellsworth he says goes underappreciated by many locals.