PHOTOS: Gala Reception for the 2024 Fall Art Exhibitions at Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine

The Gala Reception for Fall Exhibitions (on view through October 14th, 2024) at Barn Gallery served as the perfect culmination of Ogunquit’s 2024 art season. On Saturday, September 14th, a passionate crowd of art enthusiasts, Ogunquit locals, and visitors alike gathered at Barn Gallery, eager to celebrate the final gala reception of their 2024 season.

The gallery’s warm, inviting glow greeted guests as they entered — and the evening’s event was a true celebration of artistic expression, bringing together a diverse community of artists and art lovers. As attendees wandered through the gallery, glasses of wine in hand, they found themselves surrounded by the most active participants of the Ogunquit arts scene, all standing directly at the center of a stirring array of exhibitions showcasing the most current artwork created by members of the Ogunquit Art Association. And there was plenty to be inspired by!

“OAA Expressions” was one of the focal points of the evening — a dynamic and recurring exhibition theme where subjects and mediums converged in unexpected ways. The gallery was alive with a stunning array of colors, forms, and textures, with every piece revealing the undeniable talent of the Ogunquit Art Association’s celebrated roster of juried artists. The show honored the OAA’s legacy of fostering creative growth while encouraging fresh perspectives.

In addition to “OAA Expressions,” guests were immersed in the captivating “Soundings” Artist Showcase, featuring the works of Pat Gerkin and Merrill Black-Aharonian. The showcase not only presented the artists’ profound creative visions but also revealed the underlying currents of their inspiration: water, floating, and buoyancy.

Continue reading below for more information PLUS see a gallery of images from the event…

Photos of the Gala Reception for the 2024 Fall Exhibitions at Barn Gallery (by OAA Artist Member, Dave Wade)

Photos of the Gala Reception for the 2024 Fall Exhibitions at Barn Gallery (by OAA Artist Member, Mark Pizza)

Additional Information

Gerkin’s series for the “Soundings” showcase, focused on the endangered kelp species, evoked a deep environmental consciousness. Her use of encaustic techniques brought a luminous, textural quality to the work, drawing viewers into a meditative exploration of nature’s fragility. The molten wax layers seemed to pulsate with the urgency of her message, raising awareness about the perilous state of our oceans while celebrating Maine’s efforts in kelp farming and its role in combating climate change.

Meanwhile, Black-Aharonian’s contribution to “Soundings” offered a more introspective experience. Her pieces, Ripples and Radiance, reflected her fascination with the interplay of water and light, using paint, ink, and paper to craft organic forms that seemed to shift and shimmer like sunlight dancing on the ocean’s surface. Her process, often guided by intuition rather than a fixed concept, allowed viewers to feel the spontaneity and discovery inherent in her work. .

The evening was not just a display of talent but a celebration of creative journeys, with both artists embracing the evolution of their work. For Gerkin, the Soundings showcase felt like the culmination of her multi-year kelp series, potentially signaling a new direction for future projects. Black-Aharonian, on the other hand, found herself contemplating the next phase of her artistic journey, eager to continue experimenting with materials and themes. The synergy between the two artists provided attendees with a thought-provoking and visually stimulating experience, leaving them inspired by the depth and range of artistic expression on display.

Stepping outside, the Sculpture Court provided a change of pace, with an array of captivating works from the Invited New England Sculptors exhibit. As the night settled in, these outdoor sculptures stood as silent sentinels, their forms bathed in the soft glow of autumn-evening light. It was the perfect complement to the vibrancy inside the gallery, offering a moment of quiet reflection amid the buzz of the event.

As the night came to an end, the gallery was alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation, each exchange filled with a shared love for art.