During the height of shopping season, the Damariscotta River Grill (www.damariscottarivergrill.com) will be holding a holiday art show designed to showcase fine art perfect
for gift-giving. The show, to launch December 13, will spotlight 15 local Maine artists who have previously exhibited at the Grill and will feature a wide range of artistic styles and prices.
“Original art makes for a thoughtful gift,” said Jean Kerrigan, co-owner and general manager of the Grill. “Shoppers looking for something truly unique are certain to find just the right thing for family and friends at our upcoming show.”
The show’s opening reception, scheduled for Thursday, December 16, from 4-6 p.m., will feature “edible art” – both to enjoy at the reception and to select for presents. Along with savory and sweet treats, Chef Rick Hirsch will serve bouche de noel, a beautiful yule log sponge cake artfully decorated with meringue mushrooms. Guests are invited to order the traditional holiday delicacy for upcoming parties and gatherings at home.
Special guest Dean’sSweets of Portland will be on hand to share samples and offer elegant gift packages of their extraordinary hand-dipped, dark chocolate truffles. Recommended by Saveur magazine, Dean’s recently earned "Best Truffle" and "Best Traditional Chocolate" at the 2010 Boston Chocolate Salon. In addition, the Grill will spotlight Doral International, an Italian importer known for its artisan chocolates and hard candies. Guests can select from an array of confections already wrapped in colorful packages and ready for gift-giving.
The featured artists will represent a range of mediums, including quilts by Yvonne Lameraux; and pastels, oils and watercolors by Claudette Gamache, Jan Kilburn, Abbie Williams, Sally Loughridge,
Nancy O'Brien MacKinnon and Marlene Loznicka, to name just a few. An added highlight, prints by Jake Day, whose historic dioramas are on display in Damariscotta and have been featured in Down
East magazine, will be on display and available for sale.
Prices for the artwork range from $75 - $500. As pieces are sold, more will be added, giving repeat guests to the Grill new opportunities to enjoy the art selections and find additional gifts. The show
will be on display December 13 - January 18.