10/08/2026
New River Room Show:
River Arts in Damariscotta is pleased to announce “Images: Real and Whimsical,” an exhibition featuring the work of artists Stephanie Muri and Chris Lawrence.
Meet the artists at an opening reception in the River Room, Saturday, October 17, from 2-4. This vibrant and striking show runs October 8 though October 28.
“Images: Real and Whimsical" brings together two distinct visions, from Muri’s whimsical and experimental mixed-media work to Lawrence’s colorful and expressive paintings inspired by the Maine coast.
Stephanie Muri came to art later in life, following decades as a psychotherapist and instructor of clinical social work. Her earlier work continues to influence her creative practice, bringing curiosity, compassion, humor, and a belief in the healing power of small moments to her artwork. Working primarily in mixed media, collage, printmaking, and found materials, Muri embraces experimentation, intuition, color, and texture. Her whimsical, abstract pieces celebrate surprise, transformation, and the simple joy of creative discovery.
Chris Lawrence describes his work as “representative of a moment; a memory of a place and time.” His paintings are inspired by the sensory experiences associated with a particular scene—the vibrant sky of a sunrise, the crash of surf on the rocks, the lazy bump of a skiff against a dock, or the bitter sting of cold air.
Inspired by the magic of the Maine coast, Lawrence moves from wide-open seascapes to narrow vignettes of the world around him. He uses bold colors and contrast in acrylic and oil paintings to recreate these remembered moments.
Together, Muri and Lawrence offer an engaging look from two different artistic visions. “Images: Real and Whimsical” invites viewers to appreciate the contrast between Lawrence’s recognizable coastal scenes and Muri’s imaginative explorations of color, texture, and form.
The public is invited to meet the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, October 17, from 2–4 p.m. The exhibition will be on view October 8 through October 28.
River Arts is located at 36 Elm Street in Damariscotta and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information, visit riverartsme.org or call 207-563-6868.
