Artist Alan Braley will be at Studio 53 in Boothbay Harbor to talk about his artistic process and methodology behind his latest body of work called “Mending Fences,” on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. The exhibit is on display through Sept. 1.

Braley has been summering in Maine for decades. He and his wife, Claire Southerlin, recently retired after being gallery owners in Washington, D.C. They returned summer after summer to a favorite place on Paradise Point.

As in life, Braley’s work is ever evolving. The new work currently on view at Studio 53 is highly textural and very evocative of Maine. Seagulls, fishing shacks and fishermen in dimensional square formats. The colors are rich and the use of wood, paint and collage come together revealing very interesting and engaging compositions, all of which are square.

“Mending Fences is a series of images based on looking for new tools to create art,” said Braley. “Robert Rauschenberg’s art has always been one of thoughtful inclusion. Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, he was always looking for new tools to make art. For the last few years I have made art using old wood, collage, paint, stains, drywall, paper, metal and found objects.

“After many years as a painter finding different tools presented a direct challenge for me. The old wood from my fence gave me a new direction and opened up a new dialogue between mediums. These works established an ongoing dialogue between mediums.”

Braley is extremely approachable and fun to talk to making his presentations accessible and interesting. The public is invited to join him as he offers insights to his creative work.

Studio 53 Fine Art Gallery is located at 53 Townsend Avenue in the heart of Boothbay Harbor. There is off street parking behind the gallery. For more information, call 207-633-2755 during the gallery's open hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.