Mary Allen Chaisson: Evolution of an Artist. A Retrospective Exhibition of work by beloved artist Mary Allen Chaisson of Harpswell who died in the Spring of 2021. Mary had one of the very first exhibitions at Maine Fiberarts 23 years ago, and we have always wanted to give her a retrospective. Mary’s husband Joe has now gathered her work and made it available to us. On view is a selection of Mary’s work throughout her life (1945-2021), from ceramics during the early 60’s, to drawings and sculpture in the 70’s, weaving and spinning in the 80’s, and fabric art and quilts from the 90’s until the end of her life, leaving one last in‑progress quilt hanging on her studio wall.
On view: September 13 - November 4, 2023. Reception: To be announced.
QUILTS! QUILTS! QUILTS!
Most of all, the show is a collection of Mary’s contemporary art quilts made of her hand-painted fabrics, hand- and machine-stitched embellishments, and ever-varying themes. Her quilts speak of “gardening,” “might,” “April,” “swimming dogs,” and “point picnic.” This is a colorful world with blues, lime greens, reds, soft pinks and strong oranges—often with a counterpoint of black and white. Joe has many fond stories of his wife’s continuous creativity and how she made art with drawings, ceramics, weavings, sewing, birthday cards, three-dimensional work and more. She lived a creative life in all she did. This show is a celebration of her joy in creativity.
Photos of some of Mary's work on view:
December 2023 Drawing
Our “Braided Color Wheel Rug” special raffle tickets are still on sale. Raffle drawing wil be held in December or sooner. Tickets, $20 each, available by check or cash at 13 Main Street, Topsham, ME 04086.
To view some of our previous exhibitions over the past few years, here's a LINK to see and read about them.
