BELFAST — Waterfall Arts in collaboration with Dark Sky Maine and the Union of Maine Visual Artists presents “Dark Skies,” a juried art exhibit opening Friday, Jan. 17, and continuing to Feb. 28 at Waterfall Arts, 256 High St.

An artists’ reception is set for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. More than 30 artists participated in this exhibit, which will also include guest speakers, films and activities to help to promote dark skies and protect our natural environment. This is the 2nd collaborative exhibition that UMVA has partnered with Waterfall Arts.

This dynamic show of paintings, photographs and other artworks celebrating and encouraging the appreciation of the night sky was juried by Nancy Hathaway, (president/co-founder of Dark Sky Maine) and UMVA members Liv Kristin Robinson (photographer); Emily Sabino (painter) and Arlene Jurewicz Leighton (photographer). Participating and guest artists include Katherine Bradford, Linden Frederick, Emily Nelligan (deceased) John MeaderFrances Hynes, Jane Dahmen, Lesia Sochor, Jeff Epstein, Alan Fishman and Jim Nickelson.

The jury said when they made their final selection, they focused on work they felt best honored the dark skies in Maine and the natural world and creatures that so depend on them for their survival (such as pollinators, night frogs, birds, etc). The work they selected best captured this essential quality.

For more information visit TheUMVA.org.