An opening reception with Castonguay and Carter will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 7 with the artists speaking starting at 4 p.m.

Castonguay’s body of work titled ‘Endangered’ displays the effect of humanity on the biodiversity of the environment. It is also meant to connect human diversity and the biodiversity of nature. Her goal is to invite the viewer to “internalize, reflect, and see the world that we have created.” Castonguyay said, “we were given Paradise but didn’t recognize it,” and, human behaviors and actions have had a role in the increased number of endangered species on planet Earth. Her art draws the viewer into the elegance and intrigue of a paradise many don’t know is being lost.

Castonguay visited a lot of art museums as a child, and she recommends the same opportunity for all children.

“If children can attend a museum or other program that gives them crayons, colored pencils, paint, and other things to be creative that is great,” she said. “Art is important in schools because it gives children the materials to make art and exposure to different mediums and approaches. The arts give many children a ‘reason’ to want to go to school. Every child, regardless of resources, is an artist.”

Photo submitted to the Times Observer The painting “Flamboyant Guest” by Abby Carter is pictured.

In addition to producing award-winning works of art, Castonguay has taught art in Pittsburgh for more than 15 years. She has taught at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Museum of Art in addition to international workshops.

Carter is a lover of art, science, and nutrition. Like Castonguay, Carter said she knew when she was young that she wanted to make a living with her art. She considered being an architect or medical illustrator, but in the end, she pursued illustrating children’s books. At the age of 11 she nurtured her love of art, and curvy lines by creating small greeting cards. Thanks to the efforts of her grandmother, the cards could be found in 75 stores throughout Maine.

src=”https://ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.com/www.timesobserver.com/images/2023/10/01230407/AbbyCarterinHerCTStudio-375×500.jpg” alt=”” width=”375″ height=”500″ class=”size-medium wp-image-924328″ /> Photo submitted to the Times Observer
The painting “Flamboyant Guest” by Abby Carter is pictured. [/caption]

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Free The Songbirds, a piece of art by Elizabeth Myers Castonguay, will be among the works on display at the Crary Art Galley starting Oct. 7.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer The painting “Flamboyant Guest” by Abby Carter is pictured.

Years later, Abby combined her three loves by starting a juice company, Fresh Samantha, with her husband in 1992. She developed healthy juice combinations and created the labeling. Fresh Samantha is no longer in production; however, Carter’s characters can be found in numerous children’s books such as “Daddies Do It Differently” by Alan Lawrence Sitomer (Hyperion Book CH) and “Andy Shane and the Barn Sale Mystery” by Jennifer Richard Jacobson (Candlewick Press).

Both exhibiting artists gave the same advice to children, and adults, when it comes to pursuing a love of art. Keep pursuing, no matter what anyone else says. Successful adults have told Castonguay their parents wouldn’t let them pursue art because they wouldn’t be able to make a living.

“It’s never too late to learn, so if this is your story then change it,” Castonguay said. “Take lessons or just start drawing regularly. There is an artist in everyone.”

One sentence Abby has heard repeatedly from adults is, “I wish I never stopped drawing or playing the piano or tennis…”. When asked what advice she would give to children interested in art she said, “I would tell children not to stop doing what they love. Fit it into their life any way they can.”

The Crary Art Gallery is a non-profit private art museum located at the corner of Market Street and Sixth Avenue in Warren. Its mission is to educate, entertain and extend the importance of visual arts. In addition to displaying its permanent collection, temporary exhibitions are held every other month throughout the year, beginning in February. Hours of operation are Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit craryartgallery.org.