Over 80 paintings and drawings by 47 adults and children, all students of local art teacher Mercedes Gastonguay, are featured in the current exhibition in the Atrium Art Gallery at the University of Southern Maine's Lewiston-Auburn College. The exhibition of oils, drawings, pastels, and watercolors continues through August 15.
Joyce Gibson, new Dean of USM's Lewiston-Auburn College gave an address to the over-300 guests attending the opening reception on Friday, July 17.
Awards were given for outstanding work with best of show presented to Selia Dubois.
For ages 8 and 9, first and second place went to Caroline Gastonguay, third place to Brenden Hanlon, and honorable mentions to Dean Clavet, Brendon Hanlon, Eisa Lee, and Megan Theriault.
Patricia Poulin, Nature's Gardener, oil on canvas, 14" x 18"
Matthew Maguire placed first in the age 10 group, with second place going to Alyssa Desjardins, third place to John Van Dyke, and honorable mentions to Anna Marie Cote, Sydney Sirois, and Tawni Zamrock.
In the 11-12 age category, Anya Lee received first place, Kristen Cornelio, second, Bernadette Racine, third, and honorable mentions went to Lauren Belleau, Josie Desjardins, Max Poulin, and Bernadette Racine.
For ages 13 and 14, first and second place went to Alex Hood, third place to Alexandria Wilson, and honorable mention awards to Andrew Butler and Mercedes Howe.
Sarah Patrie received first place for the 15-18 year olds, with second place going to Megan Beliveau, third to Kayla Larivee, and honorable mentions to Michael Butler and Kayla Larrivee.
For adults, first place was awarded to Patricia Poulin, second place to Mariette Pare, third place to Jette Rasmussen and honorable mention awards to Ronald Bosse, Sue Caron, Selia Dubois, Lorraine Lamare, Claire Metivier, and Patricia Poulin.
Judges were Linda Pomerantz, retired Edward Little High School art teacher, and Elaine Toutain, retired Lewiston Elementary Schools Art Specialist.
The art gallery is open to the public free of charge. The exhibition continues through August 15. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
