Our resident artist and art teacher Constance Kiermairer gave a lively and informative talk about her current exhibition, CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier, on Friday afternoon, November 8, 2024. Her show remains on view in our first floor Parlor, Lobby and Dining Room through January 3, 2025. An Artist’s Closing Reception will be held Friday, January 3rd from 4-6pm. Please join us!

As you can see from the images, many attended and were captivated by Constance’s recollections of a very artful life well lived. Guests were treated to refreshments created by our house cook Klara from recipes in our 25th Anniversary Cook Book, including Sarah’s Lemon Square’s, Joyce’s Coffeecake, and Marian’s Crazy Cake (copies of which are still available, just ask us!).

We look forward to enjoying Constance’s show for the rest of year, and the closing party in early January. This is an exceptional art show not to be missed. Hope to see you here soon . . .

No comments yet

                           Multimedia Midcoast Artist Featured at 11/8/2024 Public Event at Bartlett Woods

The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free public Artist’s Talk, featuring 97-year old resident artist Constance Kiermaier on Friday, November 8^th at 2PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland. The artist and teacher will discuss her current show, “CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier.”  The exhibition is one part classic Kiermaier mixed media objects, and one part called  The Portrait Project. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.   The public is also invited to visit during regular open hours, Monday to Sunday, 8AM to 4PM; the exhibition remains on view through January 3, 2025.

“Constance has been our beloved resident teacher for many years,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “The arts are important at Bartlett Woods. Listening to Constance discuss her life’s work is a privilege for all of us.  We hope to see many friends and make new ones at our upcoming Artist’s Talk”                                                                                                                                                  

Ms. Kiermaier’s constructions, paintings and prints are personal, mysterious, and timeless. Crafted with great skill, each piece demonstrates a refusal to be limited by material, method, or subject.

Additionally, she will show a new series of pastel portraits of some neighbors at Bartlett Woods, specifically those 95 years of age and older. The artist, herself 97 years old, will be included with a self-portrait. “ ‘The Portrait Project’ began as a series of self-portraits to be given to each of my children,” confirms Constance. “This effort evolved into capturing the likenesses of some neighbors who are 95 and above, up to 100 years old! I believe it is vital for people our age to be noticed. This is an important issue for me.” 

Constance Kiermaier is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Yale University. She has shown her work throughout the USA, including: Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, National Academy of Fine Arts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Portland Museum. She has received many awards, including a fellowship from the New England Foundation on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. She was raised in Virginia, lived in Connecticut, Tenants Harbor, ME, has called Bartlett Woods home since 2016.

No comments yet

Multimedia MidCoast Artist Featured at September 28^th Public Event. 

The Art at Bartlett exhibition program marks the arrival of Fall with a free public Art Opening. Bartlett Woods’ resident artist Constance Kiermaier opens a solo exhibition on Saturday, September 28^th, 2-4PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland. Entitled “CONTINUUM: Old and New Works by Constance Kiermaier,” the exhibition is one part classic Kiermaier mixed media objects, and one part called The Portrait Project. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.   The public is also invited to visit during regular open hours, Monday to Sunday, 8AM to 4PM; the exhibition remains on view through January 3, 2025.

“We are so pleased to host this event for Constance,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “The arts are important to us all here at Bartlett Woods. Resident artist Constance Kiermaier also teaches students in our own Art Center. We hope to see many longtime friends and make new ones at our upcoming artist’s reception.”                                                                                                                                                  

Ms. Kiermaier’s constructions, paintings and prints are personal, mysterious, and timeless. Crafted with great skill, each piece demonstrates a refusal to be limited by material, method, or subject. Additionally, she will show a new series of pastel portraits of some neighbors at Bartlett Woods, specifically those 95 years of age and older. The artist, herself a nonagenarian, will be included with a self-portrait. “ ‘The Portrait Project’ began as a series of self-portraits to be given to each of my children,” confirms Constance. “This effort evolved into capturing the likenesses of some neighbors who are 95 and above, up to 100 years old! I believe it is important for people our age to be noticed. This is an important issue for me.”

Constance Kiermaier is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Yale University. She has shown her work throughout the USA, including: Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, National Academy of Fine Arts, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Portland Museum. She has received many awards, including a fellowship from the New England Foundation on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. She was raised in Virginia, lived in Connecticut, Tenants Harbor, ME, has called Bartlett Woods home since 2016.

No comments yet

Art at Bartlett 2024 presents . . .

The Art Center’s Student Show:

Works from the class of Constance Kiermaier

Since 2016, The Art Center at Bartlett Woods has been an exciting place for students of all abilities. Under the direction of life-long artist and teacher Constance Kiermaier, who moved into Bartlett Woods in 2016, art students have enjoyed a weekly class designed to accommodate all or no experience. Because Constance has taught for a very long time, she is quite adept at tailoring interesting assignments to a highly diverse group of eager participants.

The Art Center is located in a 2-bedroom apartment. Filled with natural light and ample space, Constance holds class for Bartlett residents. On any given class day, a visitor can find easels, paintbrushes, pads of paper, and assorted still life objects being put to creative use. No matter which group of new students, Constance says,

”I try to engage students who don’t know anything about art making, or only know the basics . . . I try to get them to engage with their own thoughts about what they see and feel and know. It is my goal to try to get them to create on their own. We start simple, with a flat design that has color and patterns. We use simple tools, like acrylic paint (easier and cheaper than oil!), or ink. For example, I have used my heirloom Crazy Quilt as a source of inspiration.  What I love is the idea that they come in and WANT TO LEARN. It’s exciting for me, when during the course of the class, they come up with something they thought about, and it can be accomplished.”

No comments yet

Landscape photography exhibit by Alan J. LaVallee

Bartlett Woods is pleased to host the exhibition, “The Soul of Maine: Landscape photography by Alan J. LaVallee”, on view now through December 31, 2023. An Artist’s Talk is planned for Monday, November 13th at 2pm in the Parlor at Bartlett Woods.

Born in Augusta, ME, Alan J. LaVallee has spent his life enjoying the lakes, woods, and fields of Maine. He attended Portland School of Art, majoring in Graphic Design as well as Photography. Soon, handling cameras and darkroom work became his main interests. Alan developed a long career in Commercial Offset Printing businesses in Maine while simultaneously travelling the entire state in all seasons to find images worthy of a photograph. More recently, Alan has spent his time photographing commercial jobs and building an Art Reproduction and Giclée printing business in Thomaston. He hopes to spend more time photographing what he loves most, the landscapes and seascapes of his native Maine.

“We are grateful to Alan for sharing his beautiful work with us,” confirmed Mary Eads, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community. “Our program, Art at Bartlett, includes annual exhibitions for local artists. In this, our 25th anniversary year, it feels so right to be featuring these stunning images of our beloved Maine landscape.”

Visitors to the exhibition are kindly asked to sign in at the Front Desk; and to please come another time if you are feeling any symptoms or know you are sick.

Mr. LaVallee’s work may be purchased by contacting Patricia LaVallee at agingarrows@gmail.com or (207) 578-0426.

No comments yet

Since 2016, The Art Center at Bartlett Woods has been an exciting place for students of all abilities. Under the direction of life-long artist and teacher Constance Kiermaier, who moved into Bartlett Woods in 2016, art students have enjoyed a weekly class designed to accommodate all or no experience. Because Constance has taught for a very long time, she is quite adept at tailoring interesting assignments to a highly diverse group of eager participants.

The Art Center was originally located on the 1st Floor, in a 2-bedroom apartment. Filled with north-facing light and ample space, Constance held class several days a week, for Bartlett residents and then later, for a small group of students from outside of our house. On any given class day, a visitor could find easels, paintbrushes, pads of paper, and assorted still life objects being put to creative use. More recently, the Art Center moved to the 3^rd Floor, and includes a Print Room with a large press on loan from Constance’s family.

During Covid19, Constance taught via Zoom to masked students from her off-site “bubble”. Challenging assignments continued with the aid of staff member Lori Schafer on-site to help facilitate. Masked students were able to continue the momentum of a learning and making experience, and Constance was able to carry on teaching.

No matter which group of new students, Constance says,

”I try to engage students who don’t know anything about art making, or only know the basics . . . I try to get them to engage with their own thoughts about what they see and feel and know. It is my goal to try to get them to create on their own. We start simple, with a flat design that has color and patterns. We use simple tools, like acrylic paint (easier and cheaper than oil!), or ink. For example, I have used my heirloom Crazy Quilt as a source of inspiration.  What I love is the idea that they come in and WANT TO LEARN. It’s exciting for me, when during the course of the class, they come up with something they thought about, and it can be accomplished.”

About Teacher’s Assistant Allyson Lindsey . . .

Allyson has been making art all of her life. She met Constance at Bartlett Woods through her mother, our Business Manager Stephany Lindsey. Soon thereafter, Allyson began working as a Teacher’s Assistant. Allyson helps the Bartlett Students with setting up each weekly class, providing tools and support, and helping Constance maintain the classroom and the collection of student work. Allyson enjoys the weekly volunteer service she gives to the Art Center at Bartlett Woods, and appreciates the student-mentor relationship she has with Constance. She says,

”I love the years I’ve been with Constance and the residents.  They all give me wonderful new perspectives on my work and life in general! I wouldn’t have gotten out of my art block without Constance persistently egging me on, driving me to start back up.”

Constance says, “Allyson is a wonderful person, and such an enormous help to me. What’s more, she is very good at her own work, and I know she’ll do amazing things in the future.”

Bartlett Woods is pleased and proud to offer programs like the Art Center to our residents, and present exhibits like this

for families and friends to enjoy.

Mary Eads, Executive Director

October 6, 2023

No comments yet

These nine artists demonstrate a wide range of themes, choice of materials, and impressive techniques. The 2- and 3-D work ranges from the 1960s to today.

During this, our 25^th Anniversary Year, Bartlett Woods is so very pleased to display the sometimes hidden talents of our Bartlett Woods friends and neighbors. Participating artists are Anne Cronin, Davene Fahy, Barbara Haupt, Constance, Kiermaier, June Kincade, Nat Lewis, Sally Nataluk, Shirley Stenberg, and Deb Beckwith Winship.

We are grateful to all for the loan of their work to include in this special exhibition.

Please enjoy the show!

Mary Eads, Executive Director

October 6, 2023

No comments yet

First public event of the 25th anniversary year for the non-profit

After a long, pandemic-related hiatus, ART at BARLETT is back! An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 8th, from 2-5pm at Bartlett Woods, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland (located off Talbot Street between Broadway and Old County Road). The public is invited to attend.

Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2023. A signature event of the yearlong celebration is this new art exhibition, featuring twelve established Maine artists and curated by Cushing-based artist Pam Cabañas. Artists Lyn Asselta, Chris Augusta, Krisanne Baker, Phoebe Bly, Diane Dahlke, Pam Cabañas, Dan Corey, Maxwell Nolin, Linda Mahoney, Marnie Sinclair, Peter Walls, and Graham Walton have contributed paintings, drawings, photographs and bronze sculptures. The work is for sale with 100% of proceeds going to the artists. The exhibit may be viewed during regular business hours (8am – 4pm) now through June.

During the Opening Reception on Saturday April 8th, from 2 – 5 pm, enjoy the art, meet the artists, and sample delicious treats and spirits prepared by Bartlett Woods’ own professional chefs.

“Once again, we get to live with Art at Bartlett, now an established tradition,” confirmed Mary Eads, Executive Director. “Curator Pam Cabañas has gathered a beautiful collection of talented, visionary artists. Residents, staff and their families appreciate having the breathtaking work here to enjoy every day. Thank you to everyone participating!”

No comments yet

Article originally posted here: Maine Art Scene

Rockland, ME) Are you a mature artist looking to rent in Rockland, the art capitol of Maine? Bartlett Woods, a 501(c)3 retirement community for ages 55+, features programs and arts offerings for residents. There is an “Art at Bartlett” program of professional and student exhibitions, Art Center classes and teaching opportunities, workspaces including a printing press. There are also in-house concerts, lectures, films, and much more.

There are spacious 2 bedroom rental units available – use the extra room to create your art studio! The apartment offers a balcony, galley-style kitchen with full-size appliances, and ample closets. Rent includes two chef-prepared daily meals, weekly housekeeping and laundry service, heat and A/C (individually controlled) and electricity, WIFI, water/sewer, one reserved parking space, trash/recycling pickup at door side six days/week. Residents also have access to RNs on staff for consultations. Convenient month-to-month lease and application process. Bartlett Woods is pet-friendly pending an interview.

Bartlett Woods is COVID-19 compliant, and requires full vaccination status for all residents and staff.

For more information, please contact the Bartlett Woods admissions office at (207) 593-1419 or email Lori Schafer at lschafer@bartlettwoods.com. Please also visit Bartlettwoods.com.

No comments yet

Currently featuring MidCoast painter Carol Sloane’s natural vistas of coastlines, islands and woodlands.

On view are 29 works in the exhibit at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community. Each year the nonprofit residential apartment house, located at 20 Bartlett Drive, just off Talbot Avenue in Rockland, hosts exhibitions of diverse works of art by local talent. Curated by Pam Cabanas, the current show features evocative scenes masterfully rendered in oil paint and oil sticks on 140 lb watercolor paper, panel and canvas.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, tours of the show are currently limited to virtual viewing via this link: Watch on YouTube

“I paint to evoke the passage of time, the movement of light, the joys and insights of the shifting relationships of the spaces that I see. My studies of the world around me began as quite literal landscapes, but as I have developed my conceptual techniques, I have expanded my horizons to wider range of subject matter.”

Titles like Matinicus Seascape, Gull Cove Study, Monhegan Morning Light, and Sprague Road Uphill are suggestive of the quiet places and spaces that Carol seeks to capture. Stand-alone works, as well as multi-part series, allow for her personal interpretation of our iconic Maine coast scenery.

At carolsloanemaine.com, one learns of her extensive exhibition history in one-person and group shows, from the Maine Jewish Museum and the Portland Museum, to Bowdoin College and Rockland’s own CMCA, Yvette Torres and Jonathan Frost Galleries.

All works are for sale. Prices available upon request.

One Person Shows

2018 “Contemporary Scrolling, Maine Jewish Museum, Portland, ME
2013 ‘Water and Wood’, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth ME
2013 ‘Marking the Water’, Betts Gallery, Belfast, ME
2011 ‘Domestic Partners’, Caldbeck Gallery, Rockland, ME
2011 ‘Walking the Woods’, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth, ME
2011 ‘Tidal Rocks/Canyon Walls’, Betts Gallery, Belfast, ME
2008 ‘Mixed Greens’, Downtown Gallery, Washington, ME
2007, 2008 ‘Winter Paintings, Black Duck Gallery, Lunenburg, NS, Canada
2006 ‘Domestic Partners’, Downtown Gallery, Washington, ME
2004 ‘Walking the Dog’, Downtown Gallery, Washington, ME
2003 ‘New Work’, Elan Gallery, Rockland, ME
2002 ‘Waking up in Sacred Places’, Washington, ME
2002 ‘Reflecting on Reflections and Patterns’, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
2000 ‘Moving Parts’, Round Top center for the Arts, Damariscotta, ME
2000 ‘Walking Time’, Railroad Square, Waterville, ME
1999 ‘Passing Time’, Camden Library, Camden, ME
1998 ‘Gourd and Shellscapes’, Downtown Gallery, Washington, ME
1995 ‘Childhood Friends’, Gibbs Library, Washington, ME

GROUP SHOWS, partial list

2017 ‘Paperwork’, Yvette Torres Gallery, Rockland, ME
2015 ‘Brushwork’, Betts Gallery, Belfast, ME
2014 ‘All Too Brief’, Jonathan Frost Gallery, Rockland, ME
2014 ‘Monhegan Artist’s Residency 25 Years’, Thos Moser Gallery, Freeport, ME
2014 ‘Monhegan, Unfailing Muse’, Archipelago Gallery, Rockland, ME
1995 – 2012 Downtown Gallery, Washington, ME
2005 – 2012 Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth, ME
2006 ‘Into the Woods’, Maine Art Gallery, Wiscassett, ME
2005 ‘Portland Biennial’, Portland Museum, Portland, ME
2004 ‘Where Land and Water Meet’, Tignish Cultural Center, PEI, Canada
2003 ‘Drawing on Ideas: 10 Artists’, Greenhut Gallery, Portland, ME
2003 ‘Six Women Engaging in the Maine Landscape’, CMCA, Rockland, ME
2002 ‘Downtown Gallery at the Blaine House’, Augusta, ME
2002 – 2013 ‘Art Makes a Difference Invitational’, CMCA, Rockport, ME

RESIDENCIES

2006 Cill Railaig Project, Ballenskelligs, Ireland
2005, 2010 Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Residency, Taos, NM
2002 Carina House Residency, Monhegan Island, ME
2000, 2001, 2002 Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT

No comments yet