We’re proud to have been a member of the Belfast Art Community for 16 years.

Three Maine artists, Louis Masciovecchio, Celene Farris and Dianne Horton, established The Working Art Gallery in January 1999 on Front Street at the Belfast waterfront. The name was chosen because the three artists maintained their studios at the gallery. Visitors were encouraged to watch and ask questions.  Celene also offered art classes at the gallery. The three artists helped to establish The Belfast Art Association, working closely with the other galleries to create a vibrant art community in Belfast.

In September of 2003, the gallery moved to its own building at 65 Main Street in historic downtown Belfast. (The William Crosby Building, 1857). The gallery expanded to two floors and added a visiting artist’s gallery giving new, up and coming artists the opportunity to display their work in a gallery setting. A classroom on the second floor was now used for Celene’s expanded oil painting classes.The gallery continued to grow, representing over 30 local artists.

In November 2006, Maine artist, Sheryl Tripp Wonch, became the gallery’s new manager and added The Aina Moja Shop, a project of Expanding Opportunities, a non-profit organization supporting native African artists in Kenya and other Kenyan charities.

When the local newspaper began its “Best of the Best” People’s Choice Awards Competition in 2007, the gallery was voted the top art gallery in Waldo County. The gallery continued to grow and receive recognition each subsequent year.

At the close of 2011, after thirteen busy years, Celene and Louis decided it was time to downsize the gallery and give themselves more free time to paint. They moved their gallery to the second floor and exhibited the works of Louis Masciovecchio, Sheryl Tripp Wonch and Celene Farris.

On the first floor, noted Maine artist and antique collector, Jude Nickerson, opened her new signature gallery, Raven’s Nest Gallery, featuring an exciting mix of Maine art and Maine antiques. She offered to oversee our upstairs gallery as well.

On September 3, 2014, Celene and Louis returned to sign the sale papers on their building. The great old building will now begin a new life. Celene will continue to maintain the gallery’s virtual presence through its website.

The four artists continue to paint, enjoying more free time to devote to their art. You can see more of their work at  www.CeleneFarris.com, Louis Masciovecchio, Sheryl Tripp Wonch and www.DianneHorton.com.

You can visit Celene at her blog at www.CeleneFarris.blogspot.com. and visit her eBay Store to see all of her new, available paintings.

“Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.”   Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)