William Hessian at the Richard Boyd Art Gallery

Earlier this year I got an invite from artist Kenny Cole to submit some work into a satirical art show on an island here in Maine. I had never been to Peak's Island much less the Richard Boyd Art Gallery. However, I loved the concept of the show and a few months later I standing at the art exhibit Off the Wall: Satire in Contemporary American Art looking at my art on the wall.

After a really great art opening and a few excellent conversations with Pamela Williamson and Richard Boyd it was clear that this gallery in Peak's Island was doing some very impressive things. Richard Boyd Art Gallery was hosting some unique art shows, featuring a diversity of artists, and doing it in a very high end and marketable way. I was impressed with both the business side and the artistic side of what they were doing in this tiny building on this little island (an island you need to ferry to in order to get to it). Pamela was impressed with my miniatures and invited me to take part in another upcoming show and next thing you know I am hunched over a table creating a series of miniature bird art for the next show. 

With this submission of miniature art, I was invited to be represented as an ongoing artist showing my miniatures on the back wall. I am excited to have a chance to have an constant place to display and sell my miniature paintings. I also wanted to feature a few of the new works here: 

Miniature "white eared humming bird" art by William Hessian. The painting is less than 2 inches wide. Below are some of the rest of the miniatures I am displaying at the gallery. Check out the Richard Boyd Art Gallery if you want to inquire about purchasing one of my miniatures. On the website you can read my artist statement, and my biography. Or come visit the island itself and take a beautiful ferry ride, I can guarantee its worth it.

 Great Gray Owl, less than 2 inches wide, ink and watercolor on paper

Sharp Tailed Sparrow, less than 2 inches wide, ink and watercolor on paper

Rose Breasted Grosbeak, less than 2 inches wide, ink and watercolor on paper

Also make sure to check out the Richard Boyd Art Gallery Facebook Page and keep up to date with all the monthly art shows and featured artists. Also make sure to see William Hessian's website for more miniatures.

Off the Wall: Satire in Contemporary American Art

Image: "Worry Wart" By Gordon Carlisle

Richard Boyd Gallery

For those of you who may be in or around Portland, Maine during the month of April I hope you'll come out to the gallery as we have a great exhibit opening next week. Subtle satire, protest and humor are some of the thoughts evoked by artworks in the new exhibit "Off The Wall: Satire in Contemporary American Art" opening April 5th at 10:00 AM. The exhibition explores social, political and environmental issues creating an exhibit that is meaningful, challenging and relevant. The multi-media exhibit features paintings, sculpture, collages and prints all united by the common theme of exploring contemporary issues through the use of satire. The works engage the viewer to discover the hidden truth or pause and reflect on the issue at hand. Works by Gordon Carlisle, Kenny Cole, Scott Minzy, Bud Swenson, Brandon Lutterman, William Hessian, Nancy Benner and Jay LaBrie are on exhibit through April 30. Artists reception Saturday April 6th from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM. Visit the Richard Boyd Gallery online.

Links about the show: 

PR Log

Maine Arts Commission

The Arts Map

Maine Today

Richard Boyd Art Gallery Facebook Page

SNEAK PEEK
This is a sneak preview of my satirical miniatures. You can see my shoe at the bottom for scale. You will need to see the actual show to figure out the satirical portion of the work, I am challenging the effect of price in art. Taking the ferry from Portland to Peak's Island is something everyone should experience, and if you do stopping at the Richard Boyd Gallery is a must. If you can do it in April to see this show, it would be fantastic.

    The work in the show features some of my favorite artists from Maine including Kenny Cole. I am interviewing Kenny Cole on my blog in the next few months to discuss his artwork, his political focus and his work ethic. I am honored to be included in this show among a very talented group of artists.  The best part of this group of artists, is that it is clear they are willing to take chances with their art, I respect that.

MINIATURE ART
If you are a fan of miniature art you should check out my 100 miniatures post, a show I did in Jamestown North Dakota at the art center. Or you can also browse this blog for all of my free miniature art hunt projects, where I challenge different communities to find my hidden artwork and win prizes.