BATH

A new exhibition is set to open next week.

The Centre St Arts Gallery will host an event to celebrate the open of a new exhibit of work by gallery members and guest artist Steven Stroud from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 20. The wine and cheese reception is open to the public to come and meet the artists. Admission is free.

A professional artist for more than 40 years, Stroud will exhibit paintings of Popham Beach. This is the first showing of his work in Maine, even though he has summered in the state for the past 15 years.

“I fell in love with the area on the first visit and, in particular, Popham Beach. I would go there at all times of day and at all tide levels, recording in both photography and sketches the ever-changing landscape,” Stroud said in a prepared statement. “I was particularly taken with the distant island at high tide that transforms, with a sort of biblical parting of the sea, to a rocky outcrop to be explored.

“I have done dozens of paintings of Popham. When the possibility of being a guest artist at the Centre St Arts Gallery was presented, I knew the ever-changing beach would be my principal subject matter,” he added. “It can have blistering sun or cool dense fog. Popham at sunrise is as quiet, tranquil and beautiful an area as you will ever find. At two o’clock on a summer day it is teeming with activity and at sunset it is back to its early morning tranquility. The show will also include one or two paintings inspired by observations from the boats.”

Stroud holds degrees in painting from Drake University and the Art Center College of Design. He served in the U.S. Navy as a graphic artist and photographer.

The exhibit will be open through Sept. 8.

For more information, call (207) 442-0300.