Featured Artist, November 2024
Ken Wise
Ken's working life has seemingly always centered around wood. In 1990, after years as a carpenter and cabinet maker, a carving class turned him on to the non-linear possibilities of sculpting, turning, and whittling. After many more years of classes, practice and increasing confidence, Ken hung up his hammer in 2014, in favor of a 3/4 ton lathe. Out with wood trimming, in with wood turning.
Ken now divides his time between his precisely laid out shop, selling his finely finished bowls at fairs and shows, and teaching courses in paddle making, wood carving, and wood turning. We are proud (and lucky) to have him and his work at Lemont Block Collective, where he can be found on many Thursday afternoons, always ready to demonstrate spoon carving or loon carving.
Featured Artist Weekend Details November 9-10, 2024
Wood you like to know More?
Meet the Artist each day, 1:30 pm - Close
Ken will be in the gallery from 1-5pm Saturday and 1-4pm Sunday. Visit the gallery either afternoon to meet Ken, perhaps pick out a bowl from his stunning selection, and then learn more about how it was made. In many cases he can tell you about the very tree it came from.
Stay for the Show!
If you come Saturday, plan to stay until 5:30pm, when Ken will guide us through a slide show about his craft, in a casual, conversational atmosphere, here in our gallery. No registration or reservations are required although seating is limited. Snacks and beverages will be provided!
If handcrafted, Maine-made items attract you, if someone on your gift list appreciates the value, the beauty -- and the utility -- of fine wood craft, plan to drop by Lemont Block Collective on the 9th & 10th. And if working with wood is a personal interest, perhaps you and Ken will have things to discuss, and tips to trade!
Featured Artist, October 2024
Cinnamon Brulee
Fresh from mesmerizing activations at Burning Man, Wandering Cricket Night Market, Somerville Open Studios, Biddeford’s Riverjam Fringe Festival, and Portland's First Friday Art Walk, Cinnamon Brûlée is bringing her unique blend of art and alchemy to the heart of Brunswick.
“Yakisugi art is nuanced," says Mx. Brûlée. "It's about our attempt at protecting our inner core, past regrets, our fears, defensive boundaries, and traumas. My work invites participants into this transformative medium, allowing them to confront, release, and ultimately heal."
Featured Artist, September 2024
Abigail Putnam
Abby grew up in one hunting & fishing family, and married into another. Given her creative spark, it was inevitable that wildlife would figure in her art. Abby's fish are not only accurate representations based on study and first-hand observation, they are also beautiful and unique -- art & outdoors combined. Perfect for a Maine-only gallery like the Collective. Please come meet Abigail Putnam and her fish, only at the Lemont Block Collective!
Featured Artists, August 2024
Deborah Ripley
My work uses both outdoor themes, like Loons and Salmon, and also abstract, contemporary styles, with curves and sweeping arches. I love to freestyle my designs, creating a pattern as I go. I make small and large window hangings, small open keepsake boxes, glass suncatchers, and wind chimes. Last summer I began to work with plants and flowers from my husband’s garden. The resulting hangings are each unique, and an incredible lifetime keepsake for bridal flowers, or cherished flowers from a celebration of life.
Leon Vanella
Photographer and writer Leon Vanella is one of the Collective's newest artists. He brings a patient, probing insight to his work, which results in images which demand attention and thought, and which wear well with repeated observation. Some images require hours of waiting for just the right moment. Other scenes capture the world in a way we might not ordinarily notice -- ultra close, or in forced perspective -- which make the ordinary beautiful and make the beautiful a keepsake.
Featured Artists, July 2024
Pamela Shockey
Plein-air oil painter and North Yarmouth resident Pam Shockey captures the colors, grace and motion of Maine's landscape, often in unexpected, private places -- the curves of a woodland stream, a snow-covered blowdown, or remote shoreline -- which makes each work a personal discovery for the viewer. Come meet Pam, see an extensive display of her work, and decide which ones speak to you!
Jonathan Lavan
Camera in-hand, Jonathan travels the world, both above and below the waterline! He returns from each trip with a record of our planet's amazing variety and beauty; his rich display in our gallery is partial testament to his technical prowess, his varied interests, and his keen eye. A natural speaker and entertainer, Jonathan's presentations are not to be missed!
Featured Artist, June 2024
Victoria Varga
Victoria Lives in Cumberland Foreside but travels extensively throughout the year, attending many of the larger art and maker shows across the US. Her jewelry runs from very affordable to one-off custom precious metal work, all sharing her unique, colorful, statement design sense.
She's also an accomplished & successful painter and during this special weekend her art will be featured at Lemont. Come for the jewelry, stay for the paintings -- and meet the artist!
Featured Artists, March 2024
Abigail Putnam
Abby grew up in one hunting & fishing family, and married into another. Given her creative spark, it was inevitable that wildlife would figure in her art. Abby's fish are not only accurate representations based on study and first-hand observation, they are also beautiful and unique -- art & outdoors combined. Perfect for a Maine-only gallery like the Collective. Please come meet Abigail Putnam and her fish, only at the Lemont Block Collective!
Deborah Kashdan
We are proud to have this beautiful jewelry in our gallery. Deb takes great pride in hand-crafting almost every aspect of each ring, necklace and earring -- down to the link, clasp and stone. The result in every case is an absolutely unique, quality piece you can be proud to own or give. She is always delighted to explain the art and craft behind her work -- Deb and her Earthly Treasures jewelry are among the best reasons to visit Lemont!
Featured Artists, February 2024
Catherine Worthington
Catherine's unique work is time- and skill-intensive, as well as beautiful. Her 'Art Quilts' embody her gifts for fabric selection, painting, printing, and sewing, resulting in stunning wall hangings and framed images. Her work frequently depicts Maine landscapes and wildlife -- sometimes cheery, sometimes evocative, always impressive and beautiful. Catherine also brings these skills to her cards, purses, and pillows.
Ken Wise
Ken is Lemont's resident Wood Whisperer. Working with the tones, grains, and textures of local hardwoods, Ken applies his years of experience with carving tools and lathes to produce beauty and purpose. At Lemont you'll find his amazing decorative items like this (Bowdoin Polar?) bear, as well as heirloom-quality bowls, spoons and rollers, each as unique as the wood itself, all graceful and exceptionally finished.
Featured Artists, January 2024
Antiquities Refuge League
Did you know Lemont Block Collective is Art Upstairs
and Vintage & Antiques Downstairs?
Ayuh, you-betcha -- Deborah specializes in glassware and other 'shinies' from vintage bar ware to classic china. Cole prefers books and records. They collaborate on furniture, lamps and mirrors. Together they are Antiquities Refuge League, an always-changing galaxy of great gifts and collectibles located under the best art & gift store on Brunswick's Maine Street.
Featured Artists, December 2023
Mary McKone
Mary McKone is a small batch potter working with porcelain clay and ceramic decals. The images she uses on her pieces reflect the woods and waters of Georgetown, Maine. She has also collaborated on a Maine Endangered Species series of pottery with local artist Jacqueline Johnson which aims to raise awareness of endangered species in Maine. Her work is process-intensive, beautiful and ultra-high quality... and in great demand by Collective customers. Come see why!
Rita Steinbach
Rita Steinbach is a German-born weaver who uses wool, linen, flax and other fibers from Maine to give her designs a richness and elegant drape. Hand painting the yarn adds variety and surprise, and makes each scarf unique. Rita loves her work, as you will see and hear, and she takes great pleasure in finding the best colors, patterns and styles for each customer. Her pleasure is infectious! We are excited she will have her loom in the store during the weekend -- please come in to meet Rita, see a demonstration, and learn more about her beautiful work
Beth Thompson
Beth Thompson individually handcrafts silver jewelry inspired by the natural beauty of Maine. Beth's jewelry ranges from simple to elegant to delicate-looking, always with Maine figuring in the mix; You may find the shimmer of sunlight on the ocean, the soft glow of a shell, the pattern of veins on a leaf, or the pebbled texture of weather-worn rocks in her jewelry. She hopes to bring a little of the delight of Maine to each person who wears her jewelry. Beth is one of the Collective's most successful artists and meeting her and seeing her work will tell you why!
Featured Artists, November 2023
Pamela Shockey
Pamela Shockey's oil paintings record passages in time, while examining how sunlight illuminates Maine's diverse landscape. She also paints still life, focusing on subject matter found on her daily excursions. Her intention is to provoke memories of the viewer’s past, where the landscape or still life connects them to a time and place they cherish.
We think Pamela is very much an artist on the rise and you will understand why when you come in and see her work.
Janet Lang
A photographer from age 8, Janet has a keen eye for framing, light and mood. "I find photographs almost magical in their ability to freeze a moment in time. If taken at just the right moment, a picture can tell a story of immense importance and raise awareness." She applies the same talents to her pastels, on display in our gallery. Additionally, her pastel and photographic work is available at the Collective in the form of "Artistic Tins," an endlessly customize-able way to own and display her fine art and fine art photography.
Featured Artist, October 2023
Cinnamon Brûlée
As the leaves turn and the air chills, Lemont Block Collective is thrilled to introduce the enigmatic and multi-talented Mx. Cinnamon Brûlée as our featured artist for October 2023. Cinnamon, a master of fire art and Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) wood preservation technique, transforms the gallery into a space of rebirth, resilience, and awe-inspiring beauty.
An artist who isn't afraid to play with fire, literally, Cinnamon Brûlée captures the transitory nature of existence through her captivating live performances and transformative art pieces. Her work is a dance between the delicate nature of life and the fierce beauty of her medium.
From New Orleans to Tokyo, her exhibitions and live performances—true symphonies of flames—narrate tales of impermanence, renewal, and the captivating beauty of elemental forces.
A staunch advocate for mental wellness and emotional intelligence, Cinnamon weaves these themes into her artistry, creating a dialogue of healing and growth. This ethos is vividly reflected in her community projects like the "Scary Soirée" at Lemont Block Collective, where she cultivates a haven for creative exploration and connection. Beyond her fiery craft, she stands as a mentor, encouraging emerging artists to break conventions and find their distinctive artistic expressions.
Featured Artists, September 2023
Jonathan Lavan
Jonathan Lavan is the owner of Underpressure Diving & Nature Photography. A photographer, naturalist, citizen scientist and wildlife expert, he leads diving and photography trips worldwide. His work has shown in galleries in Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Barcelona and his home state of Maine. In addition to the Lemont Block Collective Jonathan is a member of the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset.
A staunch environmentalist and educator, Jonathan is committed to making a difference on this planet through his images and his message of goodwill to all creatures.
Deborah J. Ripley
"Learn to make stained-glass" was a bucket list activity Deb took on, as she headed for retirement. Soon the "hobby" turned into something far greater than anticipated. “To share with others, something I have made with my own hands and heart, gives me so much joy. I just love it!” Previously, as a Community Health Educator, Deb both witnessed and harnessed the link between creativity and health. “To make art, even simple crafts, is so healthy for our body, mind, and spirit. Even viewing art brings enjoyment and relief of distress or dis-ease in our bodies.”
Chris Toy
Chris Toy draws creative energy from his enjoyment of Maine's great outdoors and rocky coast. Material for his art and installations is gleaned from and above the shores, near his home. His intricate mobiles and stabiles feature sea glass, sand dollars, shells, urchins, and driftwood. Birch becomes tealights and centerpieces. Smaller driftwood pieces become infinitely variable pine tree sculptures. Clean and light and visually fascinating, Mr. Toys' work is popular with Collective shoppers. When Chris is not making art he is an accomplished cook, Registered Maine Guide, and author.