River Arts welcomes the public to an evening of music, refreshments, conversation and art at its opening reception for the “Abstract” juried exhibition tonight, 5-7 p.m, Dec. 20 at its galleries on U.S. Route 1 in Damariscotta.

The exhibition of 80 pieces of art by 60 different artists from all over Maine, includes paintings and sculpture.

The exhibition will run through January 16.

Juror for “Abstract” is Suzette McAvoy, director and curator of the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport.

McAvoy has served as director and curator of CMCA since September 2010. She previously served as chief curator of the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland and has more than 30 years experience in the art field.

Also on exhibit, in the West Gallery, are more than 50 paintings by Maine artist Kerstin Engman which represent a study of the Midcoast Maine landscape and still lifes demonstrating the artist’s unique use of color, composition and application of paint.

The mission of River Arts is to nurture and encourage participation in the arts throughout the region of Mid-coast Maine by providing exhibition, studio and performance spaces, classes and workshops, for people of all ages and abilities and support a wide range of activities in artistic disciplines by partnering with other arts and performance organizations to produce programs.

River Arts is located at 241 US Route 1 (north) in Damariscotta. River Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 4, and on Sundays from 10-2. It is closed on Mondays. For more information call River Arts at 563-1507 or visit our website www.riverartsme.org.