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 Artist Weekend -- December Details
Featured Artist Weekend 12/8-10, 2023
Artists Rita Steinbach, Beth Thompson, and Mary Mckone will be in the Collective Friday through Sunday, all day, showcasing expanded displays of their work. Please come meet them, ask questions, and see their stunning, one-of-a-kind art.
Rita will have a loom in the store, all three days, demonstrating her unique and beautiful weaving.
Weekend Schedule
- Artists in-store, all weekend long -- Friday through Sunday!
- You are invited to a holiday reception for these artists on Saturday, December 9 from 11a.m. -3p.m.
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.