Article on Maine Insights by Ramona du Houx

The Harlow Gallery in partnership with the Kennebec Land Trust (KLT), proudly presents a very special call for art in celebration of the KLT’s pending acquisition of Howard Hill in Augusta, 164 wooded acres that serve as the scenic forested backdrop for Maine’s State Capitol. This ambitious project is part of KLT’s 25th Anniversary “Conservation Across Generations” campaign. Artists are invited to create art depicting or inspired by the Howard Hill property environs, history and views from or including the hill.

Charles Codman’s famous 1836 painting of the original Maine State House features Howard Hill at a time when Augusta was defined by an agrarian landscape. For generations, artists, writers and Maine residents have noted that Howard Hill symbolizes the connections between Maine people and the land.

The KLT and Harlow Gallery are planning a series of guided tours and plain air painting events to allow artists and photographers opportunities to visit the property and create art this spring and summer. Art submissions will be accepted by email through September 1, 2014, and reviewed by a curatorial committee to include, among others, Norm Rodrigue, KLT Director and photographer and Harlow Gallery executive director Deborah Fahy.

The art exhibition will be on view October 12 – November 1, 2014 at Slates Restaurant at 167 Water Street in Hallowell, Maine. The public reception on Sunday, October 12 from 5-7pm will coincide with the opening of a related exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Kennebec Land Trust across the street at the Harlow Gallery. (Artists interested in participating in that show can visit – http://harlowgallery.org/call-for-artists-celebrating-the-klt-25th-anniversary/)

The 50 percent commission from art sales will benefit the Howard Hill project. Artists may choose to donate 100 percent to benefit the project.

This project in partnership with the KLT has been made possible by a generous grant from the Maine Community Foundation, by support from Dirigo Capital Advisors LLC, Augusta Fuel Company and by our Season Sponsors: The Bank of Maine, Capitol Dental Care, Dead River Co., Great Gatherings, the City of Hallowell, Mr. Brooks Harlow, Jr., the Jennings Family, Kennebec Savings Bank and the Vallee Brothers.

About the Kennebec Land Trust:

Established in 1988, KLT works cooperatively with landowners and communities to conserve the forests, shorelands, fields, and wildlife that define central Maine. The Trust protects land permanently, offers opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy the natural world, and works with partners to support sustainable forestry and farming.

KLT has partnered with landowners in 21 communities to protect more than 4,800 acres on 60 properties through land donations, fee purchases, and conservation easements. Volunteers have constructed 37 miles of trails on KLT land and developed informative brochures and maps of KLT properties that encourage visitors to learn about and enjoy Kennebec County’s natural landscape.

Most properties are open to the public for walking, hiking, hunting, fishing, enjoying nature … and creating art!

Information for Artists

* Deadline for email submissions is 11 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2014.
* Each artist may submit up to 4 works of art (please note that the fee is per artist, not per work of art).
*Original fine art in any media may be submitted, including hand-pulled prints, photography, sculpture, and fine crafts, including ceramics, glass, and fiber art. Each artist can submit up to four works of art.
* The exhibition at Slates is a fundraiser for the Howard Hill Project and 50% of any sales will go to support the project. Artists may elect to donate 100% of the proceeds to the project.
*The entry fee is $10 for members of the Harlow Gallery/ Kennebec Valley Art Association or the Kennebec Land Trust, or $20 for non-members. FREE to enter to members of both organizations. Non-members may join the Harlow Gallery and/or the Kennbec Land Trust when submitting and pay the member rate – or enter free if you join both.