January artists at CMMC

LEWISTON — The works of a Hebron photographer and artwork produced by the Lewiston Housing Authority-sponsored Youth Enrichment Program are on display at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery until January 28.

Beth Francis, a graphic artist, has had a life-long interest in photography. After taking up digital photography around 2006, she came to a realization about her style.

“I’m artistic, not a professional photographer. I tried learning the technical side of cameras, F-stops and all, but I became lost in it. My pictures lost their feel, I lost my joy,” she says, “so I went back to taking snap shots. What changed my mind about sharing my photos was the wisdom a professional photographer shared with me. He said: ‘Don’t fret. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ ”

Francis’s work also can be seen at eyeofthebeholderbf.weebly.com.

The Youth Enrichment Program exhibit features the most recent work of artists ranging in age from six to 18, and includes watercolor, scratch board and prisma color pencils. Art teacher Sissi Ventrone’s curriculum for the youth program includes basic drawing, the concept of perspective, principles of composition and the application of color theory. Exhibiting their work is a vital component of the students’ art education.

Ventrone said she strives to nurture each student’s innate talent and uses an individualized teaching method that ignites each student’s creative spark and encourages pride of accomplishment by allowing them to set and achieve their own set of goals.

The artwork on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.

For more information regarding the sale of the student paintings or the exhibit at CMMC, contact Sissi Ventrone at 783-3429.