Raymond’s Hawthorne House to host Emerging Artists Show

By Kendra Raymond

It seems that full house, sold-out events are becoming a pattern at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home on the Raymond Cape. After a packed Strawberry Festival, the venue recently hosted a folk performer, filling the building to capacity.

Visitors view artwork from local artists during last year's
Emerging Artists Show at the Hawthorne House in Raymond.
This year's show kicks off with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m.
on Aug. 8 and the display continues through Sunday,
Aug. 10 at the Hawthorne House.  
PHOTO BY SYLVIA SULLIVAN

But just when you think that things can’t get any more exciting, another popular event is on tap to return for its second year. The Emerging Artists Show is returning to the Hawthorne House, hosted by the Hawthorne Community Association. The event will showcase emerging painters, photographers, sculptors, and more.

The art show will begin with a wine-and-cheese opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 and offer participants a chance to meet the artists. The show will continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10 with all art available for viewing and sale. The three-day event is free to attend, with donations for the continuing maintenance of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home gratefully accepted.

Dave Carew is the volunteer publicist for the Hawthorne Community Association and said he hopes to spread the word to the community about this fantastic opportunity to take in some great local art, all in one place.

Event coordinator Sylvia Sullivan is a long-time member of the Hawthorne Community Association.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to open up the newly restored Hawthorne House and give local, emerging artists an opportunity to show and sell their work there,” she said. “We‘re especially pleased to be showcasing such a wide range of local artistic talent, including painters, photographers, sculptors, and more.”

A vast array of local artists will be showcasing their work at the event. Among the talent participating are: Kathleen Gerdes (nature watercolors); Kalee Charette (landscapes and creatures in pen and ink); Cole Phillips (wet plate photography); Bruce Small (landscape and wildlife photography); Trish Kohler (mixed media); Linda Kranich (pastels); Donna Kantor (watercolor); Ben Steeves (mixed media); Ruth Gorton (acrylics and pastels); Sam Sparling (oils and pastels); Bunny Wescott (photography); Lynn Ericson (acrylics) Marylyn Clegg (to be determined); and Monica White (alcohol inks and acrylics).

Sullivan explained that the exhibition is a great opportunity for local artists to share their work.

“Having known some talented artists in the area who, for various reasons, had never or rarely shown or sold their creations to the public, I thought it would be fun to give them that opportunity. Being a member of the Hawthorne Community Association, I felt Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home here in Raymond would be the perfect venue,” she said.

This is the second year for the Emerging Artists Show, and it features both new and returning artists.

The participants will include artists working with oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, as well as photography,” said Sullivan.

“Last year I approached artists I knew and asked other Hawthorne members and friends for recommendations,” she said. “I found many talented people who wanted to participate,” she said. “Some had never shown their work, while others had shown their work before, but were happy to be part of our first show. With the help of Tom Hall, a talented and successful artist, our 2024 show was a success for both the artists and art lovers who attended.”

A portion of some of the artists’ sales will be donated for the preservation of the boyhood home of the great American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Sullivan said because of the 2024 art show success, local artist and participant Kathleen Gerdes now teaches an art class at the Hawthorne House. Upcoming dates for her class are from 1 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18, Sept. 15, and Oct. 13. The cost is $35 per session and includes all supplies. Preregister by emailing: gerkat214@gmail.com

Aside from an opportunity to view and purchase great art. Sullivan said that it’s a wonderful chance to meet and reconnect with old and new friends.

“Last year was a huge success and we are hoping for the same this year,” she said.

The Hawthorne House is located at 40 Hawthorne Road in Raymond.

For more information regarding the Emerging Artists Show, please contact Sullivan by email at: rsssm@maine.rr.com or call her at 207-239-6010. <