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By Jacob Pandolfi
Many talented artists quietly reside in Lewiston. On Saturday, Oct. 10, several of these artists will open their doors to the public for the second annual River Region Artists' Studio Tour & Art Walk. The artwork ranges from traditional paintings to jewelry and woodwork.
Each artist will be around to talk about and explain his or her artwork. The event stretches from Fox Point Circle in Youngstown to Hewitt Parkway in Lewiston. Locations of studios and displays can be found on the River Region Artists' Studio Tour & Art Walk Facebook page.
The tour is organized by Michelle Marcotte, an oil painter who has worked hard to show off the local talent. Her enthusiasm toward art led her to initiate the tour. Several participants admitted Marcotte talked them into doing the tour.
"I have been very shy about my artwork," artist Marolyn Corriere said. "The more Michelle talked about the tour, the more excited I got."
All pieces are one-of-a-kind and have a life of their own.
"I will paint whatever turns me on," L. Paul Thomas said. Many of his paintings depict rustic scenes, including old tractors, trucks, barns and sailboats.
While Thomas tends to paint from a realistic perspective, many artists take a different approach to their work.
Like all abstract artists, Carol Carreno's work is meant to be looked at with an open mind. While her pieces have titles, she claims everyone sees something different in her artwork. Carreno takes a unique approach to her work. Instead of working from a photo or landscape, she breaks glass and, from the pieces, she develops ideas for the abstract paintings.
"I want people to stay," Carreno said. "The artwork might seem intimidating, but I want people to enjoy it."
This free tour event helps promote art appreciation and spotlights the talent in the area.
"It is an opportunity for people to see artists' studios and artists hosted by local Lewiston businesses," Marcotte said. "There are 17 local artists in 14 locations in Lewiston, Youngstown and between."
Local artist and actor L. Paul Thomas will lend his work to the Art Walk.