Beverly Derosier called for the room’s attention.
In front of the crowd at the Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, Derosier gifted a portrait she had painted to its subject — the always smiling, umbrella hat-wearing Donnette Goodenow.
Derosier, a six-year member of the Sebascodegan Artists, said she does not usually paint portraits. She found herself inspired during her weekly visits to the recycling center, where Goodenow works as an attendant.
“I’ve always wanted to paint her,” Derosier said. “I think a lot of people know who she is. She’s very joyful.”
The presentation kicked off the Aug. 2 opening reception for the Sebascodegan Artists’ annual show, which includes work from 18 artists across various media, including acrylics, pottery and photography.
“They really take everybody’s art and show it to its best advantage,” said Judy Shank, a participating artist. “People come in and it’s so nice to chat with people because they’re generally on vacation and they love this area.”
The Sebascodegan Artists cooperative was established in 1990 by 11 friends who lived in Harpswell and painted together. The group wanted to showcase “original fine art by local Maine artists,” according to its history.
For 28 years, the group would exhibit its members’ work in an annual show at the white chapel on Old Orr’s Island Road. A change in circumstances moved the show to Centennial Hall on Harpswell Neck. The group then elected to seek a location with air conditioning and one where the show could stay up longer. They eventually landed on the schoolhouse, holding their first show in the building last year.
The group has grown to 20 members, attracting artists from Harpswell and surrounding towns.
“One of my bucket-list things was to join the group,” member Linda Prybylo said. “There’s a turnover, so you get to meet local artists, the newer ones that are coming into the area.”
Sandy Crabtree, who joined the group in its second year, said it added six members this year. She said she loves how the group brings together “all walks of life,” from former nurses to teachers to pharmacists.
Most of the artwork on display showcases the beauty of the area, including marine life, the working waterfront, and lighthouses.
Several artists shared how living near the waterfront inspires their work.
Judy Sgantas, a classical painter, said she is trying to tell the stories of fishermen through her art.
Wayne Robbins, who creates whale carvings, was “infected” by seeing marine life when he was growing up.
Shank said she often goes on boat trips with her family in the summer and takes photos to reference later for paintings.
“It keeps me going throughout the winter,” she added.
The Sebascodegan Artists show will continue through Aug. 18. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the last day, when it will close at 2.
“It’s just a wonderful wealth of information that you learn from each other,” Derosier said. “This event is a culmination of a whole year’s worth of work, and you can tell.”
