Seventy-two artists applied for coveted spots in Paint for Preservation 2024, which for many years has been recognized as one of the premier art sales in Maine. Thanks to a contribution from a generous donor, CELT was able to eliminate its entry fee this year in an effort to increase accessibility for artists applying. “Only 31 entries were selected, and it was painful to leave out so many deserving, talented artists,” said Chris Caraviello, owner and director of the Van Ward Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine, who served as juror.
Congratulations to those selected:
Olena Babak, Charles Fenner Ball, Todd Bonita, Molly Holmberg Brown, Daniel Corey, Ken DeWaard, Mike Dorsey, Cooper Dragonette, Erin McGee Ferrell, Margaret Gerding, Lindsay Hancock, Alison Hill, Jill Hoy, Anne Ireland, Eric Jacobsen, Dustan Knight, Christine Lashley, David Lussier, Nathaniel Meyer, Colin Page, Pamela Lang Redick, Edgar Reims, Kathleen Robbins, Bjorn Runquist, Matthew Russ, John Santoro, Lou Schellenberg, Caleb Stone, Janet Sutherland, Russel Whitten, Graham Wood.
This a great mix of artists new to P4P as well as returning veterans. The award-winning caliber of the artists is a huge part of the event’s repeated success. These artists will paint outdoors around Cape Elizabeth throughout the weekend of June 21-23, when the public is welcome to tour the painting sites to meet and watch them at work. The resulting artwork will then be auctioned on Sunday, June 23. Artists donate at least 50% of art sales to CELT, which, along with ticket sales and sponsorships, make it a highly successful fundraiser for the organization. (Tickets go on sale May 15th!)
Caraviello shared his experience choosing the artists, thanking all who took the time to submit and help create a challenging process. “We are excited to have arrived at such a talented array of artists. We were looking to make the auction as diverse as possible, while being consistent with the idea of “plein air”. We consciously looked for artists whose work appeared best for this event. Unfortunately, the large pool of applicants left a majority of artists unable to participate. I thank all who participated and hope to run into your talents in the near future.”
Alison Darling, CELT board member and member of the planning committee is quick to point to the generous support CELT receives from the business community for the event. “We have more business sponsors this year than ever before, and we very much appreciate those businesses. Their early support helps more funds go to CELT’s conservation programs.”
Major sponsors include Décor Maine, ETHOS, Key Bank, RM Davis, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, Stacy Olsen REMAX Shoreline, and Jeff Holden. Conservation level sponsors include Inn By the Sea, Knickerbocker Group, The Downeast Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Town & Shore Associates, Woodhull, Wright-Ryan Homes, and Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies. Stewardship sponsors include Casco Bay Frames & Gallery, GoGo Refill, TAK Advisory LLC, Tammaro Landscaping & Property Services, Inc., and Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth.
We hope everyone comes out to see these incredible artists at work and participates in the auction on June 23 to show support for protecting the incredible natural areas around us. (Tickets go on sale May 15th!). Learn more about P4P.
