Carver Hill Gallery, 36 Bay View Street in Camden, presents "Fleeting," a two-person exhibition, opening for the Third Thursday Camden Art Walk, July 16, 2026, from 5 - 7 p.m. Featuring works by Adam Umbach and Giacomo Piussi, the show explores the intersection of ephemeral memories and imagined ideal lives through evocative, contemporary painting and sculpture. The exhibition will run through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The gallery’s curated selection of paintings by Umbach and Piussi delve into the delicate themes of personal memory, nostalgia, and the pursuit of the ideal life.

"Through their distinct and recognizable styles, both artists investigate how objects and fleeting moments transform into lasting, deeply personal narratives," said Carver Hill, in a news release.

Adam Umbach draws inspiration from complex memories of life in Maine and the Hamptons and toys and icons from childhood. Using saturated acrylic hues on raw canvas, he creates an ultra-smooth surface to add realistic, isolated forms in oil. Then, using his non-dominant left hand, Umbach liberates the work by adding additional elements like clouds, waves and flowers with oil stick.

"This intentional duality in the work results in child-like imagery in contrast with the more realized subject of the work," said the Gallery. "This is a direct reflection of the artist’s complicated relationship with childhood memories and his way of translating moments of innocence, entangled with adult realities, onto canvas."

Giacomo Piussi explores the liminal spaces between memory and fantasy. Utilizing a vibrant color palette and simplified forms, Piussi examines themes of an idealized existence and internal harmony.

"His work strips contemporary life of its flaws and complex social dynamics, constructing a world that feels universally familiar yet wholly unattainable," said the Gallery. "Deeply inspired by the art of ancient, non-literate societies and the composition of early Tuscan Renaissance masters like Giotto and Fra Angelico and contemporary artists like Alex Katz and David Hockney, Piussi reduces environments to their essential geometric shapes. Rather than mimicking nature, he reaches for its underlying philosophical framework. By removing distracting details, he establishes a neutral, stage-like atmosphere. His figures exist within this 'redacted' reality as self-contained, tranquil entities—everyday gods at ease in their environments. Driven by a rigorous studio practice of continuous drawing from memory rather than live subjects, Piussi distills situations down to their most distinct traits. The final paintings on canvas - and sculptures in bronze - strike a balance between the real and the imagined."

Adam Umbach will be present at the opening. Giacomo Piussi is out of the country but will be happy to take questions through the gallery.

Refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public.

Carver Hill provides the following artists bios:

Adam Umbach (American b. 1986) is a Chicago born painter and sculptor who spent several years on Islesboro and returns to Maine frequently for inspiration and visits with friends. His work focuses on memory, nostalgia and the sanctity of being on and around the water. 

Giacomo Piussi (Italian b. 1967) is a painter and sculptor born in Udine, Italy who currently resides in Florence, Italy, with his wife and son. His bold, expressive canvases center around identity, aspiration, and the concept of the ideal life. Giacomo loves Maine and hopes to return again next year.

Gallery Hours: Mon – Sat, 10:30-5:30, Sunday, 11:00–4:00.