Last Saturday I attended the opening of the last show of the season at The James Patrick Gallery in Wiscasset, Maine.  This exhibit, entitled “The Ripple Effect,” showcases the work of contemporary ceramic artists Robert Shay, Martin Tagseth, Shoji Satake, and Jen Allen, and focuses on the profound effect these artists have had on one another’s work.

Robert Shay

Like a stone cast into a still pool, this “ripple effect” of influence is felt by nearly all artists who spend time working in a studio with their peers.  Often it requires only a passing observation from another artist to dramatically change the way we see our own work.  This exchange of ideas is one of the great benefits of community studio situations, but there is also a current of influence created by simply leaving one’s studio and taking in the work of other artists in shows just like this one.  I was particularly intrigued by the subtle, yet striking differences created in Jen Allen’s work simply by changing one variable…firing her pots in a wood kilnrather than her usual gas fired, reduction atmosphere.

Martin Tagseth

The James Patrick Gallery opened in 2004 and is owned by local patrons of the arts, and great friends of Watershed, Maureen and Jay Barrett.  The gallery is housed in a beautifully renovated former Methodist Church on Fort Hill Street, and is known for bringing the work of internationally known ceramic artists, as well as an array of well respected artists of other media,  to the mid-coast area.  The lovely, light-filled space is the perfect back-drop in which to view the work of these amazing artists.

Shoji Satake

Jen Allen

Excitement filled the air as I pulled into the grounds at Watershed, early Friday morning, and it was so great to see everyone coming together to help out.  The area around the main house resembled a bee hive, with everyone hard at work on the final preparations.  However, the kitchen was absolutely teeming with activity, as the staff and assistants prepared a beautiful lunch of quiches, fresh fruit, and vegetables…while still working to prep salads for Saturday.

The preparations went on all day Friday, but the big news of the day was the annual lobster bake and party hosted each year by Jay and Maureen Barrett, of Westport, Maine, and attended by friends and supporters of Watershed.  An artist herself, Maureen is part of the Watershed Board, as well as a great friend, and patron of the arts in general.  My husband and I had the pleasure of attending this event for the first time this year…and what a wonderful time!  The Barretts were such gracious hosts, opening up their lovely home, with the kindness one usually reserves for the closest of friends, to all those in attendance.  The food, a traditional New England Seafood Boil provided by Robinhood Free Meetinghouse, of Georgetown, Maine, was simply delicious.  I met so many wonderful people, and had such a great time…I feel lucky to have been included in this gathering of so many artists and friends.