WALDOBORO — The Waldo Theatre Gallery, at 916 Main Street, is exhibiting works of Rockland artist Marjorie Strauss titled "Talismans, Faces and Other Creations". Delve into a world of painted ceramic sculpture, limited series cast pieces and paintings. The show will be on display from May 3 to May 29, with an Artist’s Reception on Sunday, May 5, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Drawn to Maine for its rugged beauty and sense of independence in its people, Strauss came to Maine after her completion of a BFA in painting at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. She has worked primarily in pastel and oil, working from diverse subjects ranging from the ocean to landscapes, trees, flowers and leaves. Even in her early  days, she found herself engrossed in portraiture, initially developing her skills in school and several summers doing portraits on the sidewalks of Cape Cod. In recent years, her creative exploration has taken a three-dimensional turn, inspired by the tactile nature of pastel. This evolution led her to clay, sculpting shapes, showing depth literally, versus implying it in two-dimensions. The sculpture also has opened up a way of working in the realm of evocative and expressive imagery. Despite this expansion into new artistic dimensions, portraiture still has a place, the urge to get a likeness, and a feeling of the person.

With the clay, Strauss has been exploring symbolism.

“In the development of the “Plantformations” planter series, I have found a doorway to the many masks we wear,” said Strauss, in a Waldo Theatre news release. “A vessel for plants and plant imagery are bound up with faces. A Mayan mask and the “Green Man” icons are an inspiration. The 3-dimensional pieces have a strong presence — some of the faces are close to life size. The clay seems to allow for a less literal representation. Also, I appreciate the use of the vessel form; especially the planter, since they can be a home for living plants. I like to think I’m imbuing the work with a sense of a talisman, a piece that is filled with hope and good luck.”

The public is invited to attend a free “Meet the Artist” reception on May 5, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The show will be on display from May 3 to May 29, and all art pieces will be available for sale – a portion of which benefits The Waldo programming.

Viewing hours for this Waldo Gallery exhibition will include time before scheduled theater events, during the Waldoboro Fourth Friday (May 24), and by appointment.

For more information, visit www.thewaldotheatre.org