SOUTH THOMASTON — The Kelpie Gallery owner/operator, Susan Lewis Baines, is pleased to announce the return of artist Jill Valliere to The Kelpie.

Valliere began her formal studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she  received a certificate in decorative painting. Among the many techniques and finishes that she learned at that time was Venetian plastering, gold leafing, and glazing.

Valliere translates those specialized techniques to the easel and her fine art.

“I have always been drawn to vibrancy and texture in art, and this translates to my process of layering, adding, and subtracting elements in my work. My use of a power sander to break through layers of glazes and varnishes creates a textural surface which brings forth the nuances of color and depth that I slowly building up.  Incorporating metal leaf creates shimmering passages that allow light to move in and out of each piece. This light changes throughout the day and even creates a "moonlight" effect at night. 

“My work is the outward expression of my need to understand and explore the world beyond a momentary glance.  I am a person who is sensitive to life’s interactions both with people and with nature. These are the reasons that I am unable to paint a place that I have not visited.  Without the experience of these connections, my ability to put on canvas what I see and feel would not be possible.” Said Jill Valliere

The Kelpie Gallery welcomes one and all to see the incredible work of Jill Valliere, as well as the other 20 fine  artists and craftsmen. The Kelpie artists include: Elaine Bruckner Abel,Tania Amazeen Jones, Otis Baron, Holly Berry, John Bowdren, Jerry Cable, Carol Douglas, Sandra Leinonen Dunn, Maggie Galen, Julie Haskell, Susan Hamill, Pamela Hetherly, Beth London, Erik Lundin (1930-2016), Al Moncovich, Angela Anderson Pomerleau,  Wayne Robbins, David Wells Roth, Gwen Sylvester, Lucas Sylvester, Kay Sullivan, and the artwork of owner Susan Lewis Baines.

The Kelpie is located in the red barn in the quaint 'Weskeag Village of South Thomaston. 81 Elm Street, South Thomaston. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday and Wednesday. You can reach Susan at (207) 691-0392 or by email gallery@thekelpiegallery.com.