REVISION: Monkitree

Gardiner, Maine - On December 6th, Monkitree in Gardiner, Maine will begin exhibiting the works of Matthew Demers and Allison McKeen in a show entitled REVISION. This show presents a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new, childhood and experience. Each artist poured over their childhood drawings, then used them as inspiration in an effort to recapture the feelings that drove the art-making of their younger selves, recreating select childhood drawings using their current styles and techniques.  Some pieces changed dramatically while others retained many original elements.


Matt Demers explains, "When looking over the original drawings for this show it was interesting to find techniques that I still use today that I had forgotten about using when I was younger. I still work the same way, to be honest. The difference is the way I see things now." Matt is a primarily self- taught artist from Gardiner, Maine who grew up in Whitefield, Maine. He paints using many different materials and techniques over multiple layers to create eye catching abstract pieces.


For Allison McKeen, who currently creates in photography, drawing and painting, the process revealed a consistent atmosphere. She states, “Having pursued art as my main interest, I have developed distinctive habits, techniques, and perspectives. Those techniques and habits may have changed with time, practice and experimentation. However, my perspective seems to have produced similar results.  This is particularly visible when considering such aspects as the atmosphere and general sentiment of my work.” McKeen attended The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in the Spring semester of 2012 and The University of Maine at Augusta in the Spring semester of 2013. These experiences, coupled with a lifelong passion for art, reignited her excitement toward art and led her to become immersed in the Maine arts community.


Monkitree is located at 263 Water Street in Historic Downtown Gardiner and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10AM to 6PM and Saturday, noon until 6. The public is invited to meet the artists at a reception from 5:30-9pm on December 6th. The opening coincides with Artwalk Gardiner.