Marlene Loznicka from Midcoast Maine and Joyce Greenfield from Connecticut first met 18 years ago at an art workshop. They developed a friendship and, over the years, would paint together on Monhegan. They would invite various other friends to join them. About nine years ago, they invited a group that bonded so well that they have been coming to Monhegan together ever since. Abbie Williams, Sally Loughridge, and Betty Heselton round out the group from mid-coast Maine and Sigrid R-P Smith joins Joyce on the long trek up from Connecticut.
When asked why Monhegan and not some other beautiful place in the world, Sally Loughridge explains that following in the footsteps of so many wonderful artists like Rockwell Kent, George Bellows, and the Wyeths is a great inspiration. The challenge, not only of the rustic landscape but also of painting a unique piece of work in a place that has been painted thousands of times before, is part of the draw to Monhegan.
The cottage that the group stays in does not have electricity and they have to lug all of their own sheets and towels along with their art supplies up from the dock. The first day is spent working out who gets which room and putting the cottage into rights for the next two weeks.
The ladies get up early to catch the sunrise, take long walks, sit on the beach, but spend most of their time creating art. They each do a painting daily and take plenty of photographs to sustain them in inspiration for the other 50 weeks out of the year. They dream of their time on Monhegan all year-round and start getting excited about it weeks before they arrive.
Some of the favored painting spots include their cottage porch overlooking the dock and Manana, Cathedral Woods, Pebble Beach and, on rainy, days the interior of their beloved rustic cottage. Innovation and experimentation are part of the Monhegan experience. Most of the artists have a preferred medium that they work in regularly, but they use Monhegan for trying new things. Where they may normally use oil paints, they may experiment with pastels or watercolors.
At the end of each day, a critique session ensues. This is where true friendship is tested. They need to be able to trust one another to be open and honest, not only with their critique to one another, but also in their responses. Respect, laughter, and love throughout the session allows for brutal constructive criticism.
As the sun goes down and the chill drives them inside, dinner is prepared. Another reason this group works so well together is their love of good food. They each take turns making dinner, and they eat like queens. Leg of lamb, chicken sausage with sauerkraut and fennel and homemade breads are just a sampling of the delectable treats they make for one another. Six women and two weeks, each lady only needs to cook twice and the other nights are left to relax and enjoy.
Conversation flows as fluidly as the wine and laughter. The adventures of the day are rehashed. The characters of Monhegan are discussed. The beautiful new spot to paint recounted. The old spot rediscovered. Quirks about their cottage are laughed about. Although, husbands and boyfriends are not invited to join the group on Monhegan, they certainly are a topic of conversation, as well as amusement.
The time spent on Monhegan both for relaxation and work, but it also provides ideas and inspiration that carries them through the year.
Two years ago, the ladies decided to do a group show called Monhegan Perspectives. It was displayed at Damariscotta River Grill. Monhegan Perspectives II was also displayed there. This year, the ladies will be featured at The Archipelago Fine Arts Gallery in Rockland Maine for Monhegan Perspectives III. The show will hang from September 24 to January 22, 2011. Each artist will have five to seven pieces in the show for a total of 35-40 works.
For more information visit www.thearchipelago.net
Tara Hire is a resident of Monhegan and owner of Carina, an island store.