Skidompha Library’s Carey Gallery presents “Snow Fence Paintings” by Katharina Keoughan and Joy Vaughan through the month of January.

How do the holes in an orange plastic snow fence become art? By inspiring local artists Katharina Keoughan and Joy Vaughan to collaborate as artists. Katharina became intrigued with the variety of the oval shapes in the snow fence outside her studio, saying, “I assumed they were identical, but they aren’t.” She brought a section of the fence to her colleague Joy and suggested they use the design in their abstract collaborative work.

The two artists challenged themselves to use the motif in a body of work. One piece easily led to another and then another. Joy and Katharina interpreted this simple pierced piece of plastic in countless ways, from a muted tranquil palette to a fiery explosion of red and purple. Both artists work on the same piece in the same session. They move from one painting to another, adding to, altering or even obscuring what the other has done.

As Joy says, “The process requires trust.” Katharina and Joy are both well known in the area as teachers and painters. The gallery encompasses the hallway near the library’s auditorium and Elm Street entrance in Damariscotta.

The Carey Art Gallery was established in memory of Parker Carey of Damariscotta, who died in November 2012, and his wife Joyce, who died in 2008. They were, in the words of library director Pam Gormley, "devoted and tireless volunteers for Skidompha.”

Works displayed at the Carey Gallery include art, crafts, photography, and posters, with preference given to local artists. The Gallery offers exhibits year-round, with frequently changing exhibitions.