“Mytilus edulis: Portraits of Blue Mussel Shells” by Carolyn Butera

The Blue Hill Public Library presents “Mytilus edulis: Portraits of Blue Mussel Shells,” a solo exhibition by Maine visual artist Carolyn Butera, on view at the library from February 2 through February 27. The public is invited to a reception and artist talk on Saturday, February 7, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

“Mytilus edulis” brings together original watercolor paintings and fine art prints created for Butera’s Downeast Maine Collection. The Britton Gallery will feature the original paintings, while the Howard Meeting Room will display a selection of antique-framed fine art prints available for purchase. Each print is archival museum quality, produced in Maine on 100% cotton rag paper, hand-signed by the artist, and professionally finished in antique frames. Unframed fine art prints will also be available for order through the library during the month of February.

Butera entered this artistic journey with a passion to capture the intricate details, quiet resilience, and beauty of individual blue mussel shells. She invites the viewer to slow down and take in the exquisite uniqueness within each shell, lingering over the many hidden rhythms and patterns of nature.

Originally trained as a botanical artist, Butera’s technique focuses on the slow process of layering transparent watercolor paint to achieve the highest level of detail and reveal the wonder of each shell. The first layers of paint are activated en plein air with ocean water at the shoreline. Detailed layers of watercolor paint are then applied in her studio with a magnifying glass as she continues to study the specimen shell for accuracy. During the final stages of painting, Butera hand grinds pigment from the shell, hand stroking the pigment on various areas of the painting. Through this process, miniscule particles of the shell itself are embedded in its portrait. 

Originally from Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, Butera spent her childhood and adult summers on the coastline of Swan’s Island in Maine. She now lives full-time on the Blue Hill Peninsula. 

The exhibition will be available for viewing during library hours through February 27, with access to artwork in the Howard Room subject to the meeting schedule. For more information contact the library at 374-5515.