HALLOWELL

Harlow Gallery, which opened at its 160 Water St. location in 1963, is moving to a new space down the street.

Before it relocates to 100 Water St., the gallery is hosting one final art exhibition — SEVEN — opening Jan. 26. Following an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 26, the show will remain on view through March 3.

The show will highlight the work of seven Maine abstract painters: Emily Blake Blaschke, Jenny LaMacchia Campbell, Alicia Ines Ethridge, Celeste June Henriquez, Doreen Nardone, Brenda Overstrom and Donald M. Peterson.

Exhibitions are always free and open to the public; gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. are Wednesday-Saturday, 12- 6 p.m.

SEVEN is a group of Maine based painters that emerged out of a Maine College of Art abstract painting course with Michel Droge. This exhibit offers viewers an assortment of abstract painting styles. Each painter has created a unique language to express their visions of the world around them and their experiences in it.

“As a group of abstract painters, we understand each other remark- ably well. This coherence comes from our common fascination and openness to process,” the group stated in a press release. “Our gatherings are brave, warm and direct. We value self-reflection and enter into dialogue about how to let go of things that get in the way of our full creative potential. We urge one another to have the courage to explore and experiment, to fabricate systems that guide one’s process and then break those rules, to take outrageous creative risks and make mistakes, to risk failure in pursuit of new ideas and new ground.

“As abstract painters, we rely on intuition and trust the process to lead us. We are guided by what shows up on the surface. This includes messy beautiful swathes of color, detailed imagery, ugly and pretty, precise and carefully constructed, meaningful and meaningless, and quick or dirty. All scenarios are valued: such as painting when we’re inspired or tired, angry or blissful, agitated or confused,” they added. “We are committed to maintaining the community we have created. We are committed to each other, to encouraging and carrying each other through painters block, busy times, and troubled waters. We are committed to manifesting our truest selves in our work and to valuing an honest and forthright approach to the act of painting and critiquing.”

The Harlow Gallery is home to the Kennebec Valley Art Association, a membership based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to connecting and celebrating art, artists and community in central Mainen since 1963.

For more information please visit harlowgallery.org/seven or call (207) 622-3813.