PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Wintergreen Arts Center is hosting artwork of the Hemphill family in January. The artistic creations of Presque Isle natives Anne and Jeff Hemphill, their granddaughter Megan Hemphill, and Jeff’s late father Frank Hemphill will be featured in a unique family-style show.
An opening reception is planned on Friday, Jan. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. during the First Friday Downtown Art Walk. Refreshments will be served and admission is free.
“I will have acrylic, watercolor, and colored pencil paintings on display,” said Anne Hemphill, local artist and renowned gardener. “Jeff will have leatherwork, and we plan to show some of his late father’s hand-carved and painted birds.”
Anne and Jeff Hemphill’s granddaughter, 15-year-old Megan Hemphill, will show her Japanese anime drawings.
The family are self-taught artists.
“I was always fascinated by fine art, but classes through Wintergreen and the internet taught me basics,” said Anne Hemphill. “It has only been the past couple of years that I took the time to put my skills to the test.”
She added, “When Aroostook Shoe closed, Jeff bought one of their leather sewing machines and leather from them. He taught himself how to use the machine and make patterns to create leather items.”
“We are especially excited to have Anne, Jeff, and Megan as our featured artists in January,” said Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director. “Over the years, they have been regular volunteers and supporters of many of our programs here at Wintergreen. From rolling up their sleeves for cleaning projects and annual events, to Anne’s help with art classes, the Hemphills are a huge part of this Center. It is our privilege to share their artwork with others.”
