November 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024

The Blue Hill Public Library will present a new exhibit, Modern Brush Paintings, sumi-e paintings by Frederica Marshall, Mary Kellet Gray, and Michael DeMatteo, in the library’s Britton Gallery and Howard Room for the month of November. The public is invited to a reception at the library for the show on Saturday, November 9, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Sumi-e is the ancient Asian Art that is created with ink and watercolor on mulberry paper. This traditional art has been updated in the 21st century to include exciting new techniques along with classic works. These three artists have been painting sumi- e together for many years. New works include Tuscan and Southwestern landscapes, and two award winning paintings from National Sumi-e exhibits.

Frederica Marshall will be showing Zen enso, milk resist, and rice paper batik paintings of demons, guardian spirits, owls, and landscapes. She is a Master Brush Painter who lived and studied painting in Japan for 28 years. Her studies include Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts degrees, as well as many years with her teacher Grace Yen and others. She owns a gallery and studio/school in Deer Isle where she teaches children and adults drawing, watercolor and sumi-e painting. She has won many international and national awards for her paintings, most recently in the 2023 and 2024 National Sumi-e Society online exhibitions at sumiesociety.org. Frederica has taught more than 23,000 students around the world and finds joy in helping others develop their creativity.

Michael DeMatteo and Mary Kellet Gray have both been painting with Frederica for more than a decade. Michael will be showing brush paintings of Tuscany and the American Southwest as well as Maine landscapes in sumi-e. Mary’s paintings are intimate portraits of local Maine landscapes and seascapes. The three artists paint together in ink and color on Saturday mornings, taking the opportunity to critique, share ideas and encourage each other. They have held many joint exhibits. At the reception they will present information about the techniques and pleasures of this beautiful art.

The exhibit is available for viewing November 2^nd to 29^th during library hours, subject to the Howard Room meeting schedule.