ROCKLAND — The Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center invites the public to an art opening, Friday, May 30, from 4 to 6 p.m., highlighting the paintings of Midcoast Maine Plein Air Artists and works by artists Bettina Swirkal and John Bisignono.

“Capturing Natural Maine” by Midcoast Maine Plein Air Artists

"The magnificent coast of Midcoast Maine has always been an exciting location for plein air artists. A group of resident artists started painting out of doors together during Covid, and this informal group has grown and continued to work together. Since 2020, the group has held an annual exhibit of their work at a variety of locations, and the exhibition at the Refuge Visitor Center this year features paintings by seventeen artists in a variety of media," said a news release.

“Earthly Delights” by Bettina Swirkal and John Bisignono

According to the Visitor Center, one could sum up the philosophy of these two artists of Owls Head, Maine in the following statement:

“To make art is our way of communicating the abundant beauty of nature. We try to make art that will bring pleasure and awaken keener observation of the simple things around us.”

This exhibition runs May 30 through July 18.

The visitor center is located at 9 Water Street in Rockland.

For more information, visit the website, mainecoastislands.org/events or email info@mainecoastislands.org.