SEARSMONT — Searsmont Town Library will host a three artist exhibit opening on Friday, Jan. 24, from 5 - 6 p.m.

Susan Hoekstra and Kaylee Penniman will exhibit their textile works on the walls of the library, while a young artist, Ruth Weiss, will be showing a sculptural work with public input required.

Susan Hoekstra, of Searsmont, is a Senior Master Teacher, receiving her certification from the American Needlepoint Guild. She has been teaching color theory and needlework classes in Europe and the United States for 24 years and taught classes and studio time in Brussels, London, Utrecht, and across the US. Her strong belief in color theory greatly influences her way of teaching and she encourages her students to be creative in the stitching process. Her designs focus on “quilt geometrics,” animals, and primitives.

Kayleen Penniman, of Bucksport, is an artist who creates beautiful and functional fiber art using wool and hooking techniques. She says rug hooking is like painting with wool. Her subjects include Maine landscapes as well as Maine birds, animals, and flowers. For this lupine work she employs the proddy technique using wool and yarn.  She learned to hook about 25 years ago, and received many lessons and workshops with accomplished teachers. After retiring from teaching, Kayleen started Upperbluff Designs, available at The Lincolnville Artisans Cooperative. Upperbluff Designs encompasses a variety of work, such as jewelry, botanical printed items, and homemade dog treats.

Ruth Weiss is a Junior at Camden Hills Regional High School. She's lived in Maine her whole life, and from a young age, has been in awe of the natural beauty that Maine has to offer. Ruth has grown to become very passionate about climate action and it is the inspiration for her work.

This project begins with a series of art pieces made from beach trash showcasing different climate issues that Maine is currently facing. These pieces will be displayed in five rural communities. The piece in the Searsmont Town Library is titled “A Part of Us” which showcases how plastic pollution has so permeated in our waterways that microplastics are contaminating our food sources.

"An integral part of Ruth's project requires your participation," said the Library, in a news release. "A short survey will be available at the library, please complete it so that Ruth can compile data and help shape her findings which will become part of the final project she turns in for her AP class at the end of semester."