The Speers Gallery at the Kennebunk Free Library will present Recent Works, an exhibition of watercolor, pastel, and pencil by Kennebunk resident Wendy Gallart.

The exhibit runs July 1-31, and the public is invited to an opening reception 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5.

According to a June 13 news release from the library, “Pursuing her lifelong desire to study art and art history, Wendy Gallart received her undergraduate degree in fine arts and education. Subsequently, Wendy began her career in marketing and commercial art. Her career led to increasingly responsible positions at several Fortune 500 companies, where she directed design and public relations teams through branding and logo designs, extensive advertising and public relations campaigns and product launches.

“Wendy then applied her knowledge and experience to the not-for-profit sector. She received a masters of public administration and then worked toward bettering the health and welfare of animals. Since her retirement, she has returned to her true loves, drawing and painting. She has studied under internationally renowned painters and teachers such as Peter Barnet and Theresa Troise Heidel and currently works with local artist Russell Whitten. In addition, she has remained an avid collector of photography and fine art through her past business connections with auction houses and dealers.

“Wendy enjoys the beauty of the hills, fields and coastline of southern Maine every day, often accompanied by her dog Summer. She primarily works in watercolor and has recently begun to show her work in York County community venues.”

The public is invited to view the exhibit in the library’s Speers Gallery from July 1-31 at 112 Main St., Kennebunk, during regular library hours when the gallery is not in use for library programs. For library hours and gallery access, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

Southern Maine Health Care announces new chief operating officer

Southern Maine Health Care announced last week that Kathryn Cope will serve as its new chief operating officer. Cope currently serves as vice president of operations and critical care at Maine Medical Center, a role she assumed in 2019.

Cope takes over for Nathan Howell, who was named president and CEO of MaineGeneral Health in Augusta.

“Kathryn is an experienced health care executive with more than 25 years of experience in acute care clinical operations, finance, and service line strategy,” said Joel Botler, MD, chief medical officer and interim president of MaineHealth’s Southern Region, which includes both SMHC and MMC, in an email. “Her experience as a community-oriented collaborator with proven skills in advancing innovative solutions to complex challenges make her a perfect fit for SMHC.”

Cope earned her undergraduate degree in economics and classics from Bowdoin College and her MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia. She has been at Maine Medical Center since 2012, serving in several leadership roles before her current position.

Authors to visit Graves Library

Graves Library announced that it will host several authors in June, including the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. on Monday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Levenson will discuss “Witness to Dignity” and his personal relationship with George H.W. and Barbara Bush. “Witness to Dignity” details Levenson’s relationship with the former president and his wife.

On Thursday, June 29, at 10:30 a.m., Maureen Lee and Jennifer Cooley, authors of the children’s book, “A Puppy in Maine,” will be at Graves Library. The family program will include a craft.

On Thursday, June 29, at 6 p.m., Mike Urban, New England author (and editor), will visit and share stories from “Unique Eats and Eateries of Maine,” his newest book. The library will serve a Maine dessert.

Copies of the books will be for sale and signing after each presentation. Light refreshments will be served.

The Library is located at 18 Maine St., Kennebunkport. For more information, call 967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org.

Maine Women in the Arts names award winners

Maine Women in the Arts launched its 2023 show season with its annual Awards Show on May 26-28.

Forty-two local artists participated with their work being judged by Heather Lewis. Lewis is a studio arts instructor. She has taught and conducted workshops throughout the northeast. She currently is a studio arts professor at York County Community College in Wells (20 years), and The River Tree Arts Center (10 years) in Kennebunk.

First-place recipient was Ellen Pelletier for her pastel “Moonlit.” Show attendees were asked to vote for their favorite piece of artwork and that people’s choice award went to Kathy Chase for her oil painting, “Three Seconds in Time at Boothbay.”

There were six other awards presented at the show.

Second place went to Mary Greto-Brunner for her acrylic/mixed media piece titled “What the Wind Knows.” Third place was Norma Johnson’s pastel “Workshop.” Three honorable mentions included Anne Bertucci’s woven piece, “An Aspect of Pitch;” Ellen Blum’s photograph, “The Tides;” and Lisa Roderick’s oil, “Evening Reflections.” In addition, Sarah Ostrov’s pastel, “Early Spring,” was a judge’s choice.

Maine Women in the Arts has four shows a year. The next show will be July 28-30.

The objective of Maine Women in the Arts is to promote and give exposure to local artists and their work in all media. For more information about MWA, visit www.mainewomenarts.com.

Art Guild of the Kennebunks awards scholarship

Kennebunk High School graduate Emily Mains is the recipient of the annual $500 scholarship awarded each year by the Art Guild of the Kennebunks … along with another five scholarships awarded by other service organizations.

According to an Art Guild of the Kennebunks news release, “Emily’s forte is metalsmithing which she studied in the Kennebunk High School Alternative Education Program, turning out a variety of ornamental pieces (rings, bracelets, pendants, etc.) featuring combinations of different metals coupled with designs in glass or gemstones.

“Metalsmithing, however, will have to go forward as a much loved hobby, for her true interest lies in cosmetology — her goal: to make her way into the glamor of movies.”

Most artists can trace their passion to some early moment in which they could actually feel the tug of pencil or brush — or whatever a given medium requires for tools. For Emily it was her mother’s love of crafts. “She was always engaged in some project or another,” Mains said in an email.

A major part of the alternative program involved experiences outside the normal school environment; traveling to different locations of cultural or natural interest and volunteering in certain work projects. “This broadens the world view,” Mains said. “It has made me much more open-minded.”

The Art Guild of the Kennebunks is a juried art organization representing artists throughout southern Maine. It sponsors exhibitions during the spring and summer months and during the annual Winter Prelude in Kennebunkport. Each year it awards a scholarship to a graduating Kennebunk High School senior who has shown both interest and achievement in the arts.

Kennebunk High School graduate Emily Mains, recipient of the 2023 Art Guild of the Kennebunks Art Scholarship, at work in her metalsmithing studio.

Model of Positive Living Award nominees wanted

The Center is seeking nominations for its ninth annual Model of Positive Living Award.

According to a June 19 news release, “The Model of Positive Living Award is given to a community member who is 50 or older who makes a difference in the lives of others through kind gestures, volunteerism and a can-do attitude. We are looking for individuals who live their lives with vitality and compassion. We’re confident you know someone who has demonstrated these inspiring traits. Help us recognize their impact and influence.”

To fill out a nomination form, visit  www.seniorcenterkennebunk.org. The deadline to nominate is Aug. 1. To make a submission, call 207-967-8514 or email info@seniorcenterkennebunk.org. The award will be announced by The Center in September.

Arundel will conduct RSU 21 recount

The town of Arundel sent out notice on Tuesday, June 20, that on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. a recount for the RSU 21 director three-year term would take place at the Arundel Municipal Building in the Town Meeting Room.

Registration open for eighth annual charity 5K

Spurling Fitness announced it will host its eighth annual Spurling Charity 5K on Saturday Aug. 12. The family-friendly event invites participants to “walk, run or dance” across the finish line. The event, designed for all ages and abilities, begins at 8 a.m.

Each year, a new beneficiary is chosen. This year’s event will benefit The Center for Grieving Children, Maine.

Registration is open and costs $25 for those who sign up by July 15. The first 100 registrants are guaranteed a race T-shirt. To register, visit https://racewire.com/register.php?id=13534.

Stuffed animal adoption at Kennebunk Free Library

On Wednesday, June 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., Kennebunk Free Library will be an adoption center for stuffed animals that are looking for forever homes. Drop in during adoption hours to pick out a stuffie to keep.

Participants will also receive an adoption certificate to take home. The Animal Welfare Society will be on hand to talk about their organization. While at the library, participants are encouraged to sign up for this year’s summer reading program.

The program will be held outside of the Children’s Room. In the event of rain, the program will be inside the Children’s Room. The event is free and wheelchair accessible. Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St., Kennebunk.

For more information, call 985-2173. The Stuffed Animal Adoption is part of All Together Now summer reading program. For more information about summer programs, visit www.kennebunklibrary.org.

Library plans ‘Groovy 60s’ summer reading party

This year’s summer reading theme is All Together Now at Kennebunk Free Library. On June 26 from 5-7 p.m., the library will host a Groovy 60s Party. Participants are encouraged to dress in a 1960s-era costume. The party will include a DJ, crafts for all ages, games, a photo booth, and treats.

All ages are welcome to participate in the summer reading program and keep track of how many hours they’ve read using a paper log and earn raffle tickets for local business gift cards. All ages will be eligible to enter a raffle in their age group. The summer reading program will run from June 26 to Aug. 19. Programs offered include:

Adults

· Shank Painters pirate band

· Carey Kish, author of Beer Hiking New England

· Craft programs for adults

Teens (ages 10 and older)

· Teen Tie Dye Party

· Dungeons and Dragons

· Anime Club

· Mario Kart Tournament

Children

· Stuffed Animal Adoption

· Special guests Mad Science of Maine and Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

· 31st Annual Pet Parade and Show

· Messy Art

All ages

· Groovy 60s Summer Reading Kickoff Party

· Ice Cream Social Finale Party

For more information, call 985-2173.

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