The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) show at Studio 53 is a case in point for Einstein's quote, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

This exhibition features the trips you can take through the design and imagination of 39 RISD alumni and some faculty members.

This is a show that demonstrates imagination knows no bounds through fantasy, impressionism, realism, abstracts, clay, sculpture, metalwork, mixed media, collage, printmaking, assemblage and glass works. It's all here.

Several of the exhibited artists attended the informal reception Sept. 4 and the formal reception the next evening at the Boothbay Harbor gallery.

Decades after their RISD years, they still got excited talking about life and learning on the Providence, Rhode Island, campus. Teachers, and noted artists in their own right, on campus who made a lasting impression on the artists present included Richard Merkin, Robert Hamilton, Dean Richardson (a.k.a. “Mr. Cool”), Gerald Immonen and Gordon Pierce.

“RISD made me feel like I was born again,” said Belfast-based artist David Estey.

Estey had the “good fortune” of having artist and RISD alumni Robert Hamilton as a professor and guidance counselor. Estey recalled Hamilton saying the work was all about the design, and referred to Hamilton as one who greatly influenced his own work. He called the late Hamilton his “great hero.”

There are several works by Hamilton in the show, courtesy of his widow, Nancy. RISD grads Paula Ragsdale (Studio 53 artists member) and Heidi Seidelhuber (co-owner of Studio 53) rented an enclosed truck to bring his paintings. One entitled “NYC Railroad, 3 Passengers (one juggler and one downed plane)” is almost a large as the wall on which it hangs. This piece, on the night of the informal reception, inspired discussion from everyone who saw it.

Victoria Wulff's paintings are rich in color, and mystery. Her works have an otherworldly quality to them that beckons the viewer to step just that little bit closer only to find themselves wishing they could become part of the painting and commune there awhile.

“Black Magic” is a fascinating expression of darkness through a surrealistic veil. Her thickly applied colors, brush strokes, and overall technique bring depth and life to her subjects. There are five of her works in this show.

“It's just like old times tonight,” Wulff said. “I wish we could just stay up and paint and relive the 'golden days' at RISD. It was so much fun there. They (the faculty) knew it was OK to make emotional paintings; paintings that didn't look literal.”

Ida Schmulowitz is a fascinating artist that has spent decades painting over-sized paintings on a bridge that overlooks a highway in Rhode Island. When her paintings are complete, she drags the work through the street (wet side up of course) to her studio!

In her work, “Studio View Unstretched,” the first element you notice is the color. 

“What I see in this show is all about the idea of color and design and abstract qualities,” Schmulowitz said. “This stuff is really dealing with concepts in a very real way and I'm proud to be part of this group.”

Some of Kevin Bernstein's work, such as “Interstices” and “Fractaline” are painted on what appears to be honeycomb. His intricate use of color and design will transfix you.

Many of Ragsdale's collage, mixed media, painting and assemblage works are displayed in the same room as one of her teachers at RISD, Immonen. As an interesting addition, Ragsdale found a self-portrait she completed as a student has been added to the show.

Ragsdale draws inspiration from those she loves and the scenic beauty that surrounds her. Her interpretation of scenes and people is conveyed through a variety of mediums and a designer's eye. One of her works, “Friendship Maine,” is an acrylic and paper collage on board. The surface of the gangway is covered with a nautical map. Your eye follows it to the edge and the lobster traps positioned there. The traps are covered with images of the sea, of a home, sea creature and a myriad of textures. The attention to detail in her work is revealed in layers.

Of the 39 RISD artists whose work spans all three floors of Studio 53, the Maine-based artists include notables Robert Hamilton (RISD student and faculty member) Gerald Immonen (faculty), David Estey and Don Meserve (faculty), Eric Hopkins, John Gallagher, Holly Berry, Paula Ragsdale (Studio 53 member), Douglas Gimbel, Alison Evans and Seaver Leslie; work by artists Tom Curry and Henry Isaacs appear courtesy of Gleason Fine Art; Bonita Flanders, Michael Guy, Padric Meagher, Bill Drew, John Riedel, Ida Schmulowitz, Tony Braid, Racket Shreve, Sarah Faux, Carolynn Baker, Sherrill Hunnibell and Milo Winter; Victoria Wulff, Neke Carson, Richard Merkin (RISD faculty and artist), Howard Gladstone, Dan Gosch, Molly Bernstein, Chris Morse, Kevin Bernstein, Gordon Lambert, Dean Richardson (faculty), Heidi Seidelhuber, Jonathan Menche, Dale Chihuly and Terry Seaman.

This show runs through Oct. 12.

See how far your imagination will take you when inspired by the outstanding work in this must-see show.

The gallery is located at 53 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. For more information, call 207-633-2755 or visit www.studio53fineart.com.