Artwork by Helen Duffy ’26, Freya Drum ’26, Maggie Sawyer ’26, Loralei Zech ’26, Lex Gale ’26, and Lee MacCorkle ’26 are among the pieces that will be featured in the 2026 Lincoln Academy Student Art Exhibition at Coastal Rivers’ Round Top Farm.
Coastal Rivers’ Denny Conservation and Education Center will soon overflow once more with the creative energy of Lincoln Academy’s visual art students. For the 5th year, dedicated students in Advanced and AP Art, Ceramics, and Jewelry & Metalsmithing will display a selection of their best work in the annual Student Art Exhibition. This year the show will run April 8-24, with an opening reception on Thursday, April 9 from 5-7 pm, where all are invited to celebrate the student artists.
The student artists do all of their own matting, framing, and preparation for the exhibition and write artist statements exploring their creative process and inspiration. They spend a day together in the exhibition space before the show opens, collaborating with guidance from teachers Nina Sylvia, Jonathan Mess, and Kate Mess to curate and install their artwork professionally. This exhibition is a momentous culmination of the creative process for these students, many of whom are showing their artwork for the first time.
Viewers will see a broad range of painting and illustrative styles in the Advanced and AP two-dimensional works. “We are excited to be able to exhibit our Scholastic Arts Award winning artworks by seniors Lex Gale and Lee MacCorkle, and junior Caroline Roberts,” said Sylvia. “The artist’s trading cards will be another highlight from my students this year. This was a popular project and will be one of the gems of the show.”
Ceramic work will feature bold sgraffito surfaces, and sculptural candelabras will be a new addition to this year’s exhibition. “I’m really excited about the latest work being made in my ceramics classes,” said Jonathan Mess. “Our best work often comes right before the show. We’ll have some tall, expressive vases on display this year, fresh out of the kiln.”
Jewelry & Metalsmithing work will also display new styles. “My students have forged out in new directions this year, exploring techniques based on their individual interests,” said Kate Mess. “I’m excited for them to showcase their creative stone settings, hammered volumetric forms, handmade chains, and more.”
“We’re grateful both to Coastal Rivers for welcoming us back year after year, and to Lincoln Academy for supporting our diverse offering of visual art classes. Because of this support, our students can explore a variety of media, develop creatively, and define their own distinct artistic voices,” Mess continued. “Students who wish to may immerse themselves to study one or more media deeply during their time here, or they may try their hand at a survey of art classes that also include digital photography, sculpture, graphic design, printmaking, and more!”
Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is a non-profit, membership supported, and nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid region. The organization makes a fitting partner and host for the Lincoln Academy Student Art Show in their goals of supporting education and community.
Following the reception, the public is invited to view the student artwork during Coastal Rivers’ business hours from 9am-4pm Monday through Thursday and 9am-12:00pm Friday, through April 24th. Coastal Rivers is located at 3 Round Top Lane in Damariscotta.
