Visual Arts

Cindy Spencer is art association's artist of the month for June

Published Date

CONWAY — Local artist Cindy Spencer is the featured artist of the month for June at the Mount Washington Valley Arts Association's downstairs gallery at 16 Norcross Place in North Conway. "Light in Retirement" is primarily traditional watercolors, but also includes some recent experiments with watercolors on different surfaces and some acrylics. Come meet or visit the artist at the opening reception on Friday, June 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Spencer started painting in oils in early adolescence. When she and her family relocated to North Conway in 1979, she began her teaching career at John Fuller School. Inspired by the beauty of the valley and the work of local artists, Spencer became fascinated by watercolors. The fresh, transparent mingling of pigment on paper captured her interest. She joined Friday Painters, then led by Nan White. Spencer began painting "plein air" (setting up her easel and painting outside landscapes). White has remained a major influence on Spencer's work. During their Friday art critiques, one of White's first questions often was, "Where is the light coming from?"

When Spencer retired from education in 2009, more time was available to seek the best light for painting. Although Spencer has participated in many art workshops outside the valley, she is most grateful for the sharing and guidance of many valley artists and the painting groups in which she participates. She currently leads the Mount Washington Valley Friday Painters' Group in which all mediums and abilities are welcomed. Both studio and plein air schedules are available online at mwvarts.org.

Spencer currently lives in Fryeburg, Maine. She loves to paint mountain scenes, lakes, Maine's coast, and garden flowers. Spencer's work can be seen at cindyspencerart.com, Gallery 302 in Bridgton, Maine, Papa's Floral and Gifts in Fryeburg, Vintage Frameworks in North Conway, and at most arts association exhibits.

Children are always welcome. This exhibit can be viewed from June 1 to 23 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Originals, prints, and notecards are available at this exhibit. Come, bask in the artist's light.