PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — From a child’s laughter to the streets of New Orleans, local artist Rowena McPherson captures moments in watercolor. Wintergreen Arts Center of Presque Isle features 24 of her paintings throughout March.
The opening reception for “Details: Works in Process” was held March 2 during the First Friday Downtown Art Walk.
McPherson, a former director of Wintergreen, felt the location was the perfect fit.
“This is my first show since receiving my BFA in 2014,” she said. “Having it here at Wintergreen feels like coming home; I am comfortable here.”
When McPherson set out to create her current gallery collection, she immersed herself in learning watercolor rather than going with her traditional charcoal or graphite drawings, for which she has become known.
“Work begets work,” she said. “Once I started working on the show, I worked every night, every weekend. I’m back in the habit of creating again and that feels amazing.”
The opening was well attended by the local community with over 70 people stopping in to view McPherson’s vibrant watercolors.
“That is amazing, considering the sold-out show at UMPI and other events going on in Presque Isle,” said Dottie Hutchins, executive director of Wintergreen.
Each of McPherson’s paintings were inspired by the small moments in life that often get overlooked.
“I really enjoy how eclectic each art piece is; each has a different story,” said Melissa McKenny of Fort Fairfield. “This is an incredible show, and it gives me a chance to meet people who share a similar interest in art. There are people I never expected to see who are enjoying this art — it brings us together.”
Seven of the 24 paintings on display sold on the first day. In addition, McPherson received three requests for commissioned artwork.
According to Hutchins, “Rowena’s show struck a chord with so many people who came out for her opening reception. Her creativity, talent, and humbleness make her art truly something special. We are excited to have Rowena’s show at Wintergreen for the entire month of March and invite the public to please stop by to enjoy it.”
In the foreseeable future, McPherson plans to continue her work in watercolor, focusing primarily on portraiture.
McPherson is the coordinator of graphic design, social media and photography at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. In addition, she and her husband Shawn run Mouse Island Creatives in Perham, which offers graphic design and photography and includes an artist and writing studio.
For more information contact her at rowena@mouseislandcreatives.com.
