On Thursday, June 24, 2010, Gleason Fine Art opens "Kevin Beers: Summer and Winter on Monhegan Island," one of the gallerys most anticipated shows of the summer season. The public is invited to a catered opening reception for Kevin on Friday evening, July 2, from 5 to 7 pm.

Each summer Beers returns to his beloved Monhegan Island to paint for 4 months, mining a fresh treasure trove of subject matter from this tiny island off the coast of Maine. In 2009 and 2010 Beers started making trips to Monhegan in winter in order to capture the island's special light in snow.

"Monhegan is a dazzling place with incredible, beautiful light, and it is such a remote and untouched island. I love to paint the buildings on the island--the color and structure of weathered buildings, the patterns of sunlight and shadow, and the sharp contrast between a red roof, white clapboards, and bright blue sky," says Beers.

Kevin Beers has received increasing attention for his work, including features in Maine Home + Design, DownEast, American Art Collector, and American Artist. Avid collector, actor Remak Ramsay says of Beers: "Unlike so many contemporary artists, Kevin Beers is well trained in the basics. Combine that with a genuine affection for the people and places he paints and his love of slanting light and you get a rare magic that, eschewing trendy gimmicks, is as honest and sincere as it is beautiful."

Daniel Kany, arts reviewer for the Portland Newspapers, writes of Beers: "Kevin Beers respect for Hopper is apparent, but he quickly takes his quiet volumes and glowing tonality away from Hoppers slow, cooled lines. Beers brushwork flows at a strong pace that never hurries or abandons thoughtfulness. The masterful bow to Hopper is worth applauding--especially when a closer inspection reveals Beers flowing brushwork is nothing like Hoppers."

"Kevin Beers: Summer and Winter on Monhegan Island" begins Thursday, July 1, and runs through August 3 at Gleason Fine Arts Boothbay Harbor gallery at 31 Townsend Avenue. For more information, call the gallery at 207-633-6849 or e-mail at info@gleasonfineart.com.

IN PORTLAND
A CONFERENCE OF BIRDS:
Paintings and Sculpure by Gallery Artists
May 7 through July 10, 2010
In Gleason Fine Arts first theme show, gallery painters and sculptors were asked to include birds in their submissions for "A Conference of Birds." From Bjorn Runquists herring gulls having a polite conversation, to Peter Sculthorpes outraged raven, David Witbecks quizzical seagulls, Jeff Barretts pop-eyed robins, and Don Meserves majestic basalt owl, avian and art lovers will have flocks of birds to enjoy. As an historic note, James Fitzgeralds seagulls and Leo Brookss gannet are also included.

Painters Kevin Beers, Scott Kelley, Helen St. Clair, Peter Sculthorpe, Genetta McLean, David Witbeck, Murad Sayen, Paul Plante, Loretta Krupinski, Brad Betts, Andrea Peters, Carol Jessen, and Chris Nissen. Woodblock printers Kim & Philippe Villard. Fiber artists Gayle Fraas & Duncan Slade. Sculptors Don Justin Meserve, Carole Hanson, Roger Majorowicz, Jeff Barrett, Ray Carbone, Scott Stoll, Michael McLaughlin, Cabot Lyford, and Dan West.