LOVELL — Hewnoaks Artist Residency is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of its signature summer event, Wild Light, set to take place on Saturday, August 12, at the historic Hewnoaks facility in Lovell. A three-way collaboration between Hewnoaks, the Greater Lovell Land Trust, and Lights Out Gallery, this year’s edition promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Maine’s creativity, bringing together a thoughtfully curated pop-up art exhibition, immersive installations, music, community, and refreshments in a festive event that blends an art opening, an open house, and a lawn party. 

Over the past several years, Wild Light has established itself as a highlight of western Maine’s summer cultural calendar for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and the local community alike. Showcasing the artistic inventiveness of 20 alumni of the Hewnoaks residency program alongside talented local artists, this unique public program weaves a vibrant tapestry of diverse art forms centered on the intersection of creativity and environmentalism.

The event reflects both the richness of the state’s present-day creative talent pool and the long history of artists retreating to the Kezar Lake area to produce work inspired by the local ecology’s unspoiled magnificence.

At the heart of the program lies a pop-up art exhibition curated by Lights Out Gallery, featuring an array of thought-provoking contemporary artworks by some of Maine’s most compelling and celebrated artists. Representing an eclectic blend of styles, mediums, and perspectives, this exhibition encapsulates the complete range of artistic expression the Hewnoaks residency program fosters through its mission of supporting artists with fully subsidized time and space to advance their creative practice.

Alongside the exhibition, Wild Light offers a monumental site-specific inflatable installation, constructed by one of Portland’s most ground-breaking arts collectives, Portals of Portl&. Fusing art and nature, this enchanting, family-friendly visual spectacle not only transports viewers into a state of wonder but invites reflection on the importance of preserving and cherishing our fragile natural environment.

To complement the visual feast, the event will culminate in a musical performance that promises to cap off an unforgettable multisensory experience.

Wild Light is more than just an art event; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together, connect, and engage with artists, their work, and the environment. Hewnoaks Artist Residency, the Greater Lovell Land Trust, and Lights Out Gallery are committed to inclusivity and cultivating an appreciation for Maine’s vibrant contemporary art scene even among those who do not consider themselves art mavens. Each organization brings its unique expertise and passion to the event, amplifying its impact and reach.

“We are thrilled to bring back Wild Light, and this year’s version is set to be our most exuberant and joyful yet,” says Marc Mewshaw, Executive Director of Hewnoaks Artist Residency. “Through this collaboration with the Greater Lovell Land Trust and Lights Out gallery, we aim to create a magical convergence of art, nature, and community. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the power of art to stir our emotions, raise awareness of consequential issues, and reawaken us to the beauty of the world around us.”

Wild Light will take place on Saturday, August 12 from 3-7 p.m. at Hewnoaks Artist Residency, 68 Hewnoaks Road in Lovell. Admission to the event is free, and all members of the community are warmly invited to attend.

For more information about Wild Light please visit www.hewnoaks.org/events or www.lightsoutgallery.org/wildlight. To stay updated on event news and highlights, follow Hewnoaks on Instagram @hewnoaks, Lights Out Gallery @lightsoutgallery, or Greater Lovell Land Trust @greaterlovelllandtrust.