About the Speers Gallery
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 Exhibit
July 1-31: “Reimaging Reality” by Helen Olson
The Speers Gallery at the Kennebunk Free Library presents the exhibit “Reimaging Reality” by Helen Olson of Kennebunk. The exhibit runs July 1-31 and features abstract paintings done with acrylics.
Helen shares this message: “My intention is to challenge the viewers to delve deeper into their own perception of the world and the unfamiliar. Through the lens of abstractions, I want to open the viewers’ eyes to the possibility of alternative realities and spark a sense of curiosity and introspection.”
In addition to painting, Helen loves to cook, and says “A sense of joy fuels my creative process whether I’m mixing paint or whipping up a new recipe. For me, inspiration often simmers in a pot on the stove or explodes in a burst of color on my palette. Like cooking, my paintings are a delicious blend of passion, experimentation, and a healthy dash of intuition…come explore my world of vibrant colors and unexpected textures, where every brushstroke in a splash or flavor, and each composition a carefully crafted dish for the soul.”
Kennebunk Free Library is pleased to showcase the dynamic work of this local artist.
Speers Gallery Artists for 2024
|
|
|
|
Month |
Artist |
|
January 2024 |
Kathie Mahoney “Coming Full Circle” Watercolor & Mixed Media |
|
February 2024 |
Maryfrances Smith “Barn Quilts: An Interior View” Acrylics on Board & Canvas |
|
March 2024 |
Alexsandra Jean “Healing Through Nature & Photography” Photography |
|
April 2024
|
Creative Eight Quilters “What Friendship Looks Like in Fabric” Fiber Art |
|
May 2024 |
The New School & The School Around Us Mixed Media Art |
|
June 2024 |
L. Randal Boyd “Seeking the Quiet Within” Oils, Stabilo Graphite, Prints |
|
July 2024 |
Helen Olson “Reimagining Reality” Acrylics |
|
August 2024 |
Laima Vince “Whimsical Works on Paper” Oil & Gouache |
|
September 2024 |
KFL Kids' Projects (Details TBA) |
|
October 2024 |
KFL Staff (Details TBA) |
|
November 2024 |
Sally Berry Glenn “Coastal Maine Oil Paintings” Oil |
|
December 2024
|
Noelle Argenti “Photos by Noelle” Photography |
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.
Exhibit Applications, Policy, and Procedures
PLEASE NOTE THE APPLICATION DEADLINE TO EXHIBIT IN 2024 HAS PASSED. INTERESTED ARTISTS MAY APPLY AT ANY TIME TO BE CONSIDERED FOR 2025. THE APPLICATION AND RELATED INFORMATION IS BELOW.
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 2024. In November 2023, 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 2024. Please note that applications must be received by Friday, October 27, 2023.
Our application form and exhibit policies and procedures are linked below. I hope that you will consider applying to Exhibit for 2024. 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 985-2173 x103 or email at mconners@kennebunklibrary.org.
Sincerely,
Michelle K. Conners
Director