Rae Ingwersen has been a beloved painter in the community here in Kennebunk, having countless openings and showcases at our very own River Tree Arts. She has participated in interviews and auctions, selling pieces both to locals and visitors. 

On September 19th, River Tree Arts had the unveiling of its newest gallery, a stunning arrangement of abstract pieces featuring 21 artists, including her great niece, as well as plenty of her own work. The collection was “a space for dialogue through abstraction” and achieved this wonderfully. The pieces are colorful and thought provoking, with evident strokes stretched over the canvases to create vivid and beautiful scenes and emotions. 

Rae is devoted to her nicely honed abstract style. She has painted this way for many years, pieces taller than some of our writers in vivid and muted hues. She has had a couple of gallery collections named after her in her time at River Tree, one of which being her summer show, full of pieces featuring water and movement that pulls the viewer into the beauty of abstract coastal summers. 

River Tree is so honored to have named this gallery after their “inspiration and long-term friend.” The end had to come, and the gallery closed it’s viewing period on October 17th, having been a joy and inspiration to Kennebunk for 28 days. She has another dedicated gallery set to open in the spring, predicted to have a similar amount of featured artists. River Tree looks forward to showcasing her work again, as she has been nothing but persevering in her chasing of color and craft. 

I once encountered someone who remarked that abstract artists couldn’t paint. I imagine many celebrated abstract artists would be rolling in their graves at such a notion! -Rae Ingwersen