South Thomaston — Art of the Sea invites the public to the opening reception of “Exhibition 2012, A Gathering of Marine Masters in Miniature” Thursday, Aug. 9  beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be entertainment by the Angela Anderson Duo and catering by Tracy Pleines at the gallery, Route 73 at the Keag.

This, the 13th annual “Masters,” includes a number of new works of Maine from internationally renowned artists John Stobart, Patrick O’Brien and Don Stone, painted expressly for this exhibit, as well as many works from members and fellows of the American Society of Marine artists plus many local artists both established and emerging. There also will be four carved miniature figureheads by Lloyd McCaffery, who is known for his glorious ships of the line and admiralty models. All of the artists agreed to paint small works for this event, nothing larger than 8-by-10 inches.

Art of the Sea offers an enormous collection of nautical art from local, state, national and international artists in all media at the 4,500 square foot gallery at the reversing falls. A proper sampling of gallery artists’ work will be available in the entrance gallery. There are at least 100 half hulls and full rigged ship models from primitive decorative pieces to museum quality cased models on display at all times.

“Masters” will run through Labor Day, open every day but Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call gallery director Joan Woodhull at 594-9396. To preview the exhibit, artofthesea.com and click on Special Events.

Courier Publications' A&E Editor Dagney C. Ernest can be reached at 207-594-4401 or dernest@courierpublicationsllc.com.