Camden artist and designer Anneli Skaar will present an informal talk and slideshow about her work and experiences spent in residence at Galleri Svalbard in Longyearbyen, Norway, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in downtown Rockport. During her talk, which is titled “ 50 Shades of Blue,” Skaar will discuss what it’s like to paint at 78 degrees north, and suggest creative ways to finance an artist residency abroad. She will also explain why this part of the “ high arctic” is worth a visit before it’s gone—as well as provide useful tips about how to outrun a polar bear.

Skaar grew up in northern California and received a degree in design at the National College of Art and Design in Oslo. She spent 12 years living and working in the creative field in Norway before moving back to the U.S. in 1999 and continuing her work here. Skaar is represented by Carver Hill Gallery in Rockland and is the owner of Skaar Design, a graphic design firm in Camden. She is a former member of the board of directors of CMCA. For more infromation, visit cmcanow.org