Local Color Gallery welcomes guest artist Sally Stanton from July 21 through August 23. She will talk about her work at the July Art Walk reception on Friday, July 24, from 4-7 p.m. Stanton will speak at 5:30 p.m.

Stanton's abstract figurative work is a departure from the non-representational paintings she made for many years, according to Stanton, in a Local Color Gallery news release. She attributes the change to the influence and intrusion of social media and the information overload available 24/7 that is difficult to process or turn away from. Her mixed media paintings are a response to the overwhelming world around her.

Stanton begins with a visceral exploration of color and texture using acrylics and various drawing and mark-making tools. The figures that emerge from this process-based practice are not idealized. Stanton is drawn to their peculiarities and imperfections. Stanton says that as she “excavates,” she uncovers moments of consolation or conflict, tenderness, uncertainty, and sometimes humor. Blending cartoons and nightmares, these visual narratives come from memories, dreams, and the human stories that filter through from the unquiet world.

Sally Stanton’s paintings have been exhibited in Maine at the Portland Museum of Art, Waterfall Arts in Belfast, and the Hallowell Center for the Arts in Augusta, as well as the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Massachusetts, the New Hampshire Art Association Biennial in Portsmouth and galleries around New England. She holds a B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and an M.F.A. from the Solstice Creative Writing Program in Massachusetts. She lives in Northport, Maine.

Local Color Gallery is located at 135 High Street in Belfast. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 5 and Sunday 11 to 4. For more information see localcolorgallerymaine.org or call 207-218-1249.