"Then and Now," an exhibition of sculpture and decorative and utilitarian work by metal artist Raymond Mathis, opens on Thursday, June 19, at Salt Pond Studio in Friendship with the Artist Reception on July 5, from 3 to 8 p.m.

The exhibition provides a glimpse into the range of work and the variety of materials Mathis has used in his many personal artworks as well as his private, commercial and liturgical commissions. Living in coastal Maine has had a distinct influence on his recent work both in his approach to form, movement, and texture and where his imagination meets hard metal.

The exhibition is accented by the dramatic monochromatic works of artist Pam Cabañas inspired by the harbors, shores and islands of coastal Maine. 

About Raymond Mathis: 

From his first piece of art created using the forge in his farrier truck, to work created in his first studio in Bucks County Pennsylvania using centuries-old techniques, to honing his skills at the International Teaching Center for Metal Design in Aachen, Germany, and to his work created in his Thomaston studio, Mathis' ultimate reward is when he sees someone connecting to his work. Using steel, copper, bronze, stainless steel, stone, and glass, Mathis collaborates not only with private clients but also with interior designers, architects, landscape professionals, and public art committees. www.tuttometaldesign.com 

About Pam Cabañas 

Cabañas has been scouring  the harbor, shores and islands of Friendship, Maine seeking inspiration for her dynamic works since 2004. Rendered in monochromatic tones both in charcoal and acrylic, Cabañas’ dynamic works have been shown in private galleries and nonprofits throughout the Midcoast region, recently receiving a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation and a Juror's Award at the ARTinME exhibit held at the BRAF Gallery in the fall of 2024. Cabañas’work is currently on view in her solo exhibition at the Booth Bay Regional Art Foundation, Boothbay Harbor, Maine and is included in “Washed Away” presented by the Union of Maine Visual Artists at the Portland Library, Portland, Maine. Her large format pieces also grace the walls of Waterstruck Wellness, Newcastle, Maine. www.pamcabanas.com

For more information please contact: Salt Pond Studio at 207-691-5787, pam@saltpondstudio.com  

Salt Pond Studio is located at 522 Cushing Road in Friendship, Maine. Housed in the renovated East Friendship School House, circa 1850 , Salt Pond Studio celebrates local Mid-Coast artists. The gallery is known for its signature Artist Receptions complemented with a fired-up grill under the tent as well as conversation around the firepit and live music to complete the evening.