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Relationships fuel L efield Ga ery

By Loi Eschhlz Phtos by Jane Littlefield

Ask Jane Littlefield what makes her art gallery special and she’s quick to tell you: the relationships.

Jane and her husband, Kelly, opened Littlefield Gallery in Winter Harbor 12 years ago after collecting art for almost 30 years. Both
school teachers – she in English, he in history – they worked second jobs to afford their art collection.

“We got to know so many artists from seeing them at galleries. When we opened the gallery with no experience in the art business
and no art backgrounds, we were still able to get the best artists because they knew we were serious about art and had a sincere love
for the art they produce,” Jane said. “We’re so lucky with the artists who show here. They’re wonderful artists, but they’re also good
people. We have a reciprocal appreciation for each other.”

The Littlefield Gallery represents about 35 Maine contemporary artists – both abstract and representational – in the first two floors of
what is also the couple’s home with sculpture in the surrounding yard and a separate “outer gallery” for special exhibitions. Art is
hung just like it would be in any house – which includes in the bathroom or over the washer/dryer – something Jane said helps people
imagine what a piece would look like in their home.
“It’s a gathering place. There’s a dining table and it’s surrounded by art. We invite people to sit down and have a cup of coffee. It
lends itself to relationship building,” Jane said. Because many of the artists live within driving distance, clients sometimes have the
opportunity to meet the artists and talk with them about their work. “People love to ask questions of artists. Art has more meaning
once you make a human connection with the artist. It truly is all about the relationships. It’s integral to what’s happening here.”
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Five shows, each featuring one painter and one sculptor, are exhibited in the outer gallery throughout the season. Above, James Line-
han’s oil on canvas Big Schoodic takes center stage. Sculptor Mark Herrington’s Texture in Time enhances the appreciation of stone.
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