‘Because the Sky is Blue’ to open at Center for Main Contemporary Art
Center for Maine Contemporary Art Unveils “Because the Sky is Blue” Exhibition on Rockland’s First Friday
Rockland, Oct. 2 – The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) is kicking off a month‑long celebration of painting’s past, present and future with the opening of “Because the Sky is Blue.” The exhibition opens Friday afternoon and will run through January 17, 2027, inviting visitors to explore works that blur the lines between canvas, sculpture, photography and film while foregrounding the sky as both subject and catalyst.
The opening reception takes place in the museum’s courtyard from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as part of Rockland’s popular First Friday Art Walk. Attendees will enjoy beats from DJ Alien Baby (Allison Cekala) and can sample tacos from Taqueria Max while strolling through the early‑displayed pieces.
“Because the Sky is Blue” brings together a roster of artists who have strong ties to Maine as well as international voices. The show includes work by Clémentine Adou, Wilfrid Almendra, Bo Bartlett, Vija Celmins, Selena Kimball, Ryosuke Kumakura, Glenn Ligon, Sharon Lockhart, Matthew Metzger, Julie Poitras Santos and Miao Wang. The collection spans a range of media and historical references, inviting viewers to question where the boundaries of painting actually lie.
The exhibition’s title and conceptual framework stem from a conversation between CMCA curator Grant Wahlquist and the legacy of Bartlett’s own Blue Sky series. Wahlquist notes that the sky functions both as a visual subject and a starting point for inquiry: “It’s a space that invites artists to reach beyond traditional definitions and to interrogate how we see and are seen.”
Selena Kimball’s “Atlas of Air” (2021) exemplifies the exhibition’s interdisciplinary spirit. The piece is a collage of pigment prints mounted on Hahnemühle rice paper and framed in an 8.5‑by‑8.5‑inch square. It demonstrates how the sky can be translated into a tactile, layered experience that defies single‑medium categorization.
The show is made possible with the support of The Times Record, a sustaining sponsor of the CMCA. A representative for Bowdoin College’s outreach arm noted, “We believe a community must be informed to thrive,” underscoring the museum’s role as a cultural hub for the Midcoast.
In addition to its thematic focus, the exhibition offers an opportunity for the Rockland community to engage with artists whose work has emerged from the region and beyond. Visitors can anticipate a variety of installations—from large‑scale paintings to photographic series—each exploring the sky in its own way.
“Because the Sky is Blue” will remain on view until the end of January. The CMCA invites all art enthusiasts, whether they are residents or visitors, to come experience the exhibition and partake in the opening reception’s music, food, and conversation. The Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s website offers further details on the schedule, artist biographies and ticketing information.
