Art Featured in Old Courthouse’s Stairwell

ELLSWORTH — In late fall, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art mounts an exhibit of artists’ small work in its lofty stairwell. Straddling Bridge Hill, the stately Greek Revival building, which once served as the Hancock County Courthouse and Registry of Deeds, becomes part of the show as patrons leisurely ascend the stairs and eye paintings, prints and sculpture as well the tin ceiling and beaded wainscoting. In this year’s “Stairwell Show,” which runs Nov. 11 through Dec. 23, the public will climb the stairs and see small, diverse works of art. Their creators include Janice Anthony, Matt Barter, Siri Beckman,  Kevin Beers, Judy Belasco, Tom Curry, Lilian Day Thorpe, Kate Emlen, Philip Frey, June Grey, Richard Keen, Holly Meade (1956–2013), Rosie Moore, Ed Nadeau, John Neville, Linda Packard, Carl Sprinchorn (1887–1971) and Christina Thwaites. The artwork runs the gamut from oils, acrylics, watercolors and encaustics, to woodblock prints and etchings, photomontages and sculptures incorporating reclaimed wood beams, Styrofoam, plaster and polyester resin.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has the option of seeing the “Stairwell Show” in person during gallery hours or by appointment or in a video online at https://courthousegallery.com/exhibition/stairwell-show/. All the featured works also are on view online.

Courthouse Gallery Fine Art is housed in Ellsworth’s historic courthouse built in 1832. The gallery is located at 6 Court St. For more info, call 667-6611, email info@courthousegallery.com and visit courthousegallery.com.