“Seven Days, Five Artists on Monhegan,” the new show at Damariscotta River Grill, opens Dec. 4. Artists Sandra Leinonen Dunn, Steve Dunn, Penny Markley, Judy Schuppien and Kim Skillin Traina each bring a different “lens” and style from their time spent on Monhegan together, exhibiting over 70 paintings, pastels and photographs. The “Art at the Grill” opening reception, Wednesday, Dec. 5, is from 4 to 5:30 p.m.  Stop in to meet the artists and learn more about their diverse styles and viewpoints of Monhegan, while savoring delicious hors d’oeuvres. The show will hang at the Grill until Jan. 22.

Professional photographer Steve Dunn has been visiting Monhegan for close to 30 years, recording the beauty and life of Monhegan with his camera. 

“Monhegan captured my heart the first time I set foot on its shore and my love for this very special place has grown even deeper with each visit. I have gotten to know many of the residents of Monhegan and have developed meaningful friendships with them, so much so that each time I return to Monhegan it feels like I am returning home,” he said.

Steve has invited many other artists and photographers to join him for a week to share his love of the island.

“Being on Monhegan with a group of friends has given us the opportunity to get to know each other better and deepen our friendships. Seeing the art my friends have created has inspired me in the creation of my own art. It is a joint collaboration to record the beauty of a very special place,” he said. Steve has published a book of photographs on Monhegan, and is currently working on a second book, with proceeds being returned to benefit the island.

Steve’s wife, Sandra Leinonen Dunn, an accomplished painter and teacher, has been spending time on Monhegan for 22 years.

“The best part about our time on Monhegan, aside from the obvious of being surrounded by the ocean and the island's beautiful scenery, is the way that time seems to slow down. After the first few days on 'island time' you notice that the hectic pace of life on the mainland seems to fade away, and you find that a slower pace seems to pull you into its wake. I love waking up in the morning on the island knowing that the most pressing issue I need to consider that day is: what shall I paint, and what's for lunch! The light on Monhegan is unique and has been calling artists to the island for years, and that light makes painting on Monhegan a perfect artist studio,” she said.

Painter Penny Markley has been joining the Dunns most years, since 2004.

“It’s a bit intimidating to paint a place that has been portrayed by so many famous artists in the last 150 years. Nevertheless I keep returning to record what I see and feel in this beautiful spot 12 miles out to sea and to enjoy the company of fellow artists. It is such a luxury to have a week to paint with no other responsibilities,” she said.

Judy Schuppien has been part of the painting group most every year since 2003.

“Typically, I don’t settle in to actually paint as much as I imagine I will, but instead spend time exploring the island, gathering inspiration, and making photos and sketches for later paintings. The beauty of having a whole week is the time to wander the island and know all of the trails, even those lesser known and more lightly traveled, such as Long Swamp and Red Ribbon, which are really quite lovely. Two old favorite spots where I linger for hours, are the rocks above The Washerwoman, and Pebble Beach,” she said.

Pastel artist and photographer, Kim Skillin Traina, was the “newbie” to the Monhegan group this year. 

“A week to hike, muse, draw, paint and photograph over 600 images was magical. Being a 12th generation Mainer, and having lived on Peaks Island for 10 years, I was drawn to experience Monhegan. I loved exploring and capturing the essence of such an enchanting place, the lighting, the moods, the simplicity of just being, and the feeling of time standing still.  Some days I painted outdoors in the sunshine, on rainy days, I cozied in by the fire and painted the views from my perch in the loft, and other times I was content to play with markers to create a whimsical drawing. There is so much that goes on behind a painting that actually gets framed and hung on the wall. Hours of looking, seeing, image making, analyzing, discarding ... and visiting magical places that jump start our creative juices,” she said.

Call the Damariscotta River Grill for more information, 562-2992, or visit its Facebook page. The Grill is located on Main Street, Damariscotta, and is open Tuesday thru Sunday  for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.