PHILLIPS — The Phillips Area Community Center [PACC] held a successful art show Sept. 15 offering local artists an opportunity to display and sell their work. The event drew a crowd of community members who enjoyed a variety of artwork and had the chance to meet the artists behind the creations.

Participating artists included Cindy Worthley, Bill Chase, Carolyn Smith, Penny Ross, Dan Jalbert, Jeff Seaberg, Kathy Fast and Luisa Stearns. Admission was free, and food was available for purchase, with small tables set up for attendees to enjoy food while appreciating the artwork.

Bill Chase, a local artist, presented his unique woodwork, including frames and other pieces crafted from a large tree that fell near his home. He said the big tree almost took out his porch, so he used the wood to make frames and other artwork. “I try to utilize everything,” he said. When asked about his experience of showing art at shows he said, “I’m learning the steps of shows, but I’d rather be home painting.”

Cindy Worthley showcased her wildlife photography, displaying framed photos and creative postcards that captured the beauty of nature. Carolyn Smith, 86, exhibited her watercolor greeting cards and note cards under her new business, Maine Cardworks.

Self-taught artist Luisa Stearns displayed her charcoal and pencil sketches, offering insights into her artistic journey. “It’s not my job,” she said. “Hopefully, one day it will be. You have to practice it,” Stearns said, noting the evolution of her work over time. She shared a study she did of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Portrait of a Girl, encouraging others to “get an image from artists you like and try to copy it. You’ll learn a lot by doing it that way.”

After taking online instruction, Stearns explained that her approach to art has shifted to a more realistic, academic style. However, balancing her art with raising three children has its challenges. “Finding time is where it gets tough,” Stearns said. “I have an 8, 5, and 2-year-old, so I work in 20- to 30-minute spurts until someone needs me.” One of her recent pieces took three months to complete. Her advice to aspiring artists? “Never stop practicing. If you quit, you’ll never know how far you can go. Practice, practice, practice. And if you don’t like something, just toss it in the bin.”

Jeff Seaberg, another local artist and alpaca farmer, displayed his original paintings.

Cathy Fast, known for her creative felted items, showcased a variety of handmade goods, including felted soaps, baskets and whimsical figures. One of her creations, a Viking figure, was inspired by a local man who moved into town. “It’s like a movie maker creating a character,” she said. “It’s all about using my imagination. He had long hair, a beard, rode in on a motorcycle, and nobody knew who he was,” Fast said, describing her inspiration for her most recent creation. “I also love to make baskets, I crochet around a rope or string,” Fast said.

The PACC, a nonprofit organization, regularly hosts community events, such as suppers, dances, and a monthly craft and flea market.

To find out about future events at the PACC, contact Winona Davenport at 207-639-4296.