PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Wintergreen Arts Center will host the work of local artist Filomena Irving in February.
Irving’s opening reception, “The Awakening,” will be held Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. during the First Friday Downtown Art Walk. The event will feature refreshments and musical entertainment provided by classical pianist Liudmila “Mila” Mamontova, and is free and open to the public.
Filomena Irving (Courtesy of Wintergreen Arts Center)
Filomena “Mena” Irving is a native of Toronto, Ontario, and a former middle school science teacher in Washburn. She is an artist who says she has taken over half a century to awaken her latent desire to paint.
“I have always known that I had it in me,” said Irving, “but it wasn’t until my husband encouraged me to attend a painting workshop hosted by Tim Gagnon that I actually awakened my latent desire and turned it into a new career.”
Irving works in acrylics and watercolor. Her subjects are predominantly landscapes, seascapes and florals. Her passion for travel and gardening often translate themselves into her paintings. Her paintings are largely influenced by her imagination, the works of other artists, and the beauty that surrounds her.
“One could describe my style as impressionistic and eclectic, varying with my mood and my medium,” said Irving. “My art gives voice to my experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter.”
A collection of the artist’s wearable art will also be on display, including colorful headbands, scarves and beanies.
Irving lives on a farm in Washburn with her husband, Scott.
