About the Speers Gallery
Kennebunk Free Library provides space for art exhibits. Exhibit materials may be organized and presented by the Library, members of the community, and not-for-profit groups within the guidelines set forth in the Exhibit Policy below. The gallery has been host to a variety of mediums including photography, textile arts and mixed media assemblages in addition to renditions in oil, pastel, pen and ink, and watercolor.
In 2011, the gallery in Hank’s Room was named the Speers Gallery in honor of Mike Speers, former Library Trustee and Friend of the Library, who was the inspiration of the Gallery.
Current Speers Gallery Exhibit
June: “Perspectives by a Pair of Painters” by Bill McCarthy and Barney Cutrer
The Speers Gallery at the Kennebunk Free Library presents “Perspectives by a Pair of Painters” by local friends Bill McCarthy and Barney Cutrer. This exhibition of oil paintings runs June 2-30, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 7 from 1:00-3:00 pm. All are welcome.
Bill McCarthy’s love of art began in his youth, where art class was his favorite subject in school. Since then, he’s worked a broad variety of jobs until 20 years ago when he devoted himself to painting, drawing and watercolor. Although mostly self-taught, he has taken lessons with local artists including Dennis Poirier. Along with Cutrer he appreciates van Gogh, although he mostly admires the Dutch painters of the 16th and 17th century, such as Remembrance, Vermeer, Hal’s and others. Bill says “So far I’ve sold a number of my works to collectors here in Maine also, New York and Michigan and have been featured at the Newburyport Art Association. My intention is to continue painting, plein air and studio work. I hope my paintings speak for themselves.”
Barney Cutrer was born in Spain and raised in the Midwest. In his early 20’s he traveled throughout the world, before settling in Maine. He has been painting since his early teens, and his favorite subjects usually have to do with nature, depending on his mood. He is drawn to Impressionism, his favorite artist being Van Gogh. Barney says “Bill and I have been friends for many years, sharing our interests in art and life. His love of painting is an inspiration to me. We hope to paint together now that I have retired.”
Kennebunk Free Library is excited to welcome these talented friends for their joint exhibit in our Speers Gallery.
Speers Gallery Artists for 2025
Speers Gallery Exhibit Schedule 2025 | |
| Month | Artist |
| January 2025 | Sue Howard – “Reflections: Paintings by Sue Howard” – Mixed Media |
| February 2025 | Joe Mulqueen – “Animal Alphabet Rhymes & Origami” – Paper & Poster Board |
| March 2025 | Brian Cohen – “A Career in Prints” – Etching |
| April 2025 | Laura Dauphinais – “Near and Far in Black and White” – Photography |
| May 2025 | Jeffrey “Hutch” Fay – “This is New England” – Oil Painting, Etching & Block Print |
| June 2025 | William McCarthy & Barney Cutrer – “Perspectives by a Pair of Painters” – Oil Painting |
| July 2025 | Erik Howell – “Plumbing the Vapor” – Acrylic, Ink & Charcoal |
| August 2025 | Matti Crowe – “Matti’s World” – Acrylic |
| September 2025 | Children’s programs participants – “Kid Creations” – Mixed Media |
| October 2025 | Cheryl Lunde & Bob Lown – “Local Color” – Watercolor |
| November 2025 | Joanne Maloney – “Simple Gifts” – Acrylic |
| December 2025 | Alissa Kruszenski – “Homage to Home” – Photography |
Speers Gallery Exhibit Applications, Policy, and Procedures
PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE TO EXHIBIT IN 2025 HAS PASSED. WE WILL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 ON ROLLING BASIS UP UNTIL THE DEADLINE IN OCTOBER 2025.
Dear Artists,
The Kennebunk Free Library’s Speers Gallery provides a space devoted to exhibiting artwork of local artists. Located on the lower level, the Speers Gallery offers the opportunity for the general public to appreciate the arts in a manner that reflects the Library’s mission to inspire and enable our communities to discover, learn, and connect.
We are currently inviting artists to apply to exhibit for a month in 2026. In November 2025, we will convene an art committee, consisting of members from the Library and art communities, to review the completed applications and set a monthly exhibit schedule for 2026. Please note that applications must be received by Friday, October 17, 2025.
Our application form and exhibit policies and procedures are linked below. I hope that you will consider applying to Exhibit in 2026. Please note that there is a $25.00 fee to exhibit and an additional fee of $10.00 to hold a reception. Payment is not due until the month of your exhibit. If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to contact me via phone 207-985-2173 x103 or email at mconners@kennebunklibrary.org.
Sincerely,
Michelle K. Conners
Director
Maine Children’s Book Illustrators Gallery
The KFL Maine Children’s Book Illustrators Gallery, houses original works of art from children’s books by Maine illustrators. Represented artists include Barbara Cooney, Dahlov Ipcar and Kevin Hawkes. It was created in 1995, following the expansion of the Library, and is a wonderful means of educating patrons of the richness and diversity of Maine artists. It also serves to promote literacy by presenting literature in a visual form to the young and young at heart. The Gallery is located on the lower floor in the Library and is open to the public whenever the library is open.
Pictured above is a photograph of the Maine Children’s Book Illustrators Gallery, with benches below for patrons to have a seated view of the art.