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
October: “Shapes that Persist,” by Christina Smith-Krause
The Speers Gallery at Kennebunk Free Library presents “Shapes that Persist,” the art of Christina Smith-Krause. The exhibit will run October 2-30, 2026.
Certain amorphous shapes have shown themselves for forty years or more in Smith-Krause’s art. They persist. So, too, does the artist persist in remaining true to her desire for originality in her art, also true to her belief in reverence for all.
While most of her pieces are fairly recent, there is a sampling of her work done decades ago, one painting from as early as 1970. Subject matter varies. Included are paintings inspired by the right to assemble and peacefully demonstrate for one’s own particular beliefs…inspired by those who do, as well. Art has remained her life passion and journey, albeit concurrent with family life, career interests, and an abiding interest in spirituality.
The artist’s formal education, first in nursing, later in religious studies/philosophy, and special education comprises strands which she feels influence her art. She studied art at DeCordova Museum School, has taken classes at Mass College of Art, studied privately with Brenda Lowen-Siegel, and had classes with watercolorist Carlton Plummer, Libby Chase, and Dennis DeGenero. She has won numerous local and regional awards in years past.
Kennebunk Free Library is excited to showcase the works of this unique local artist.
The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery from October 2-30, 2026, at 112 Main St., Kennebunk, Maine during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. Please check the library website for current hours and gallery access, www.kennebunklibrary.org.
Speers Gallery Artists for 2026
| January 2026 | YES Art Works, (untitled), Mixed Media |
| February 2026 | Karen Nash, “Search for Light”, Acrylics & Photography |
| March 2026 | Margaret Merrill, “My Unique Point of View”, Watercolor |
| April 2026 | Cheryl Lunde & Friends, “Perspectives”, Watercolor, Pastel, Oil, Acrylic & Weaving |
| May 2026 | Kathleen McNally, “Painting Your Memories”, Watercolor |
| June 2026 | Cathryn Falwell, “Tree Stories”, Charcoal, Collage & Relief Print |
| July 2026 | The Artists Collective, (untitled), Watercolor & Acrylic |
| August 2026 | John Shibley, “Eliot Black & White”, Photography |
| September 2026 | Kharris Brill, “Reframed Stories: Objects Reimagined to Tell New Tales”, Found Object Assemblage |
| October 2026 | Christina Smith-Krause, Shapes That Persist, Mixed Media |
| November 2026 | Cheryl Miller, “A Year of Plate Portraits: Putting a Face on the Turkeys We Eat”, Color Pencil & Marker |
| December 2026 | Richard F. duFosse, “Maine Coast” Acrylic, Oil & Pastel |
Speers Gallery Exhibit Applications, Policy, and Procedures
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 2027. In November 2026, 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 2027. Please note that applications must be received by Friday, October 16, 2026.
Our application form and exhibit policies and procedures are linked below. I hope that you will consider applying to Exhibit in 2027. Please note that there is a $25.00 fee to exhibit and an additional fee of $30.00 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.