Looking closely at the vivid acrylics of the artist Mary Bourke brings about a sense of peace, transporting you to a gentler simpler time of picking blueberries, swimming at a lake, standing around a camp fire.
Her new show at the Greenhut Galleries, “Somewhere Between Water and Woods,” on display online and officially running from June 18 to July 11, has wildlife, people, and the waters and woods that bridge the two.
Originally from New York, Bourke now lives midcoast Maine. Her work has been featured on the cover of numerous publications including A Place Called Maine and Classics of Young Adult Literature, Down East Magazine and L.L. Bean’s catalog. She is donating a portion of the proceeds from this show to Maine Audubon.
When we got wind of her generous offer, we asked her to talk about why she had made that decision, and about her connection to Maine Audubon’s mission. Here’s what she said:
“When I recently finished the body of work for my Greenhut solo show, I felt the strong need to do something to help. At first I wasn’t sure where I should focus my donation, as there are so many people and small businesses in trouble right now.
“My work centers around finding our place in the natural world. Now more than ever that seems to be of utmost importance. The more I thought about it, the more certain I was that Maine Audubon was the perfect recipient. My work seems to speak directly to your mission, at least in my mind’s eye. I have always appreciated the work that you do. I like your focus on education and hands-on learning, teaching children and adults to experience the natural world around them.
“I have always been a close-to-home person, believing that you change the world by creating awareness and appreciation in your immediate surroundings , in your home and your community. With this pandemic I believe the awareness you raise through your organization is especially important.
“I have a history with Maine Audubon. I participated in many of the art auctions that you have had in the past. I was lucky enough to make two separate weekend trips with an art group to Borestone. Those two weekends were some of the highlights of my life.
“I have committed to donating a portion of my sales to Audubon during the month of my solo show. It just feels right to me.”
Thank you, Mary Bourke. We appreciate your generosity as well as your commitment to the natural world.
