Two New Galleries Open on Main Street, Rockland

ROCKLAND, Maine - Two new art galleries are opening on Main Street in Rockland. The Fischer Gallery opened Friday, June 6 and is located at 340 Main Street.  Their opening was welcomed by the members of City Council, Rockland Main Street, Inc., and the Penobscot Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.  Their opening was welcomed by the members of City Council, Rockland Main Street, Inc., and the Penobscot Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The gallery is co-owned by long time Midcoast resident Andrew Reichline along with his two west coast based siblings, Neil Reichline, a cinematographer who shoots commercials and documentaries and Rhonda Reichline Dubin, a computer consultant and graphic designer. All three have been fine art photographers their entire adult lives. The gallery is named after their grandfather, Geza Fischer, who moved to the United States from Hungary in 1911 and became a sought after portrait painter in New York City while raising their mother and her siblings. The Fischer Gallery is currently open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. It features monthly receptions open to the public each Rockland First Friday Art Walk from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., offering bites, beverages and a chance to meet the artists.

The Gray Fox Gallery at 429 Main Street opened on June 13 and was also welcomed by representatives from the Chamber, Rockland Main Street, and the City.  Founding artist Ashley Gray carved his first sculpture at age 9, and he finds great inspiration from wildlife and nature.  Gray has won numerous National and World Championships, has been awarded the Gulf South Championship in Louisiana and is a six-time New England Grand Champion.  Most recently, Gray won first place in the Ward World Wild Fowl Competition in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and is a two-time People’s Choice Award Winner. Other artists exhibiting at the Gray Fox Gallery include world-renowned painter, sculptor and designer Jeff Muhs; driftwood sculptor Michael Fleming; watercolor artist Sandy Pealer; and furniture craftsman David Derham.

In its ongoing effort to revitalize and enhance the relevance of the downtown district for all stakeholders, Rockland Main Street, Inc. continues to work closely with the city to attract new and diverse retail and service businesses.  As important, is the effort to retain existing businesses on Main Street and throughout the downtown district.  Utilizing the national Main Streets model of a four-point approach that focuses on Organization, Promotions, Design and Economic Restructuring; Rockland Main Street, Inc. is well positioned to make meaningful contributions to the continued renaissance of downtown Rockland.