Newburyport Art presents The Maine Idea, an exhibition inspired by the themes of Maine in honor of Past President Jean Trim and her dedicated service to Newburyport Art. In April of 2019, Jean Trim joined the Newburyport Art Board of Directors and, as President, helped navigate the Association through its pandemic closure and reopening. Jean noted that her role as President was only possible with the help of an incredible Board and the unwavering support of her husband Chris. During the pandemic, Jean and Chris bought a home in Maine — on Islesboro, where the Trim family has lived since the 1790s. As Jean reflected on the legacy of her NAA Presidency, she sees it as a time when art, family, and Maine became forever connected.
The exhibition includes some of Jean’s artist-friends who have also been inspired by the beauty of Maine. Exhibiting will be Sara Demrow Dent, Amy Conly, Rick Hamilton, Ryan Kelley, Christine Molitor Johnson and Cara Gonier. There is also a special posthumous show of artwork by her mother-in-law, Christa Trim. Just a month after Jean joined the NAA Board, Christa was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and passed six months later. Some of Jean and Chris’ favorite pieces of Christa’s work are on display, with more information about Christa below.
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Christa Trim
October 21, 1939 – November 21, 2019
Born in Schierke, Germany, Christa moved to the United States with her husband Richard Trim in the early 1960s to Islesboro, Maine, a small island in the Penobscot Bay where Richard’s family lived, before eventually moving to Littleton, MA.
With a strong appreciation of nature, a love of all things Christmas and animals (especially dachshunds), Christa expressed her creativity through her breath-taking gardens and gourmet cooking. Only after life slowed down in her 50s did she start to paint. A self-taught artist, she focused on flowers and Christmas themed pieces, especially Saint Nicholas himself. You will see many variations of him in her works and the progression of her artistic abilities over the ensuing three decades.
Although she lived in Littleton, Crista loved the natural beauty of the Newburyport area where her son, Christopher Trim, his wife Jean, their three children, and two dachshunds have lived for the past 30 years.
The NAA is grateful to Jean for all that she has done for Newburyport Art throughout the years! Please join Jean and the participating artists on Friday, January 19th (5–7pm) for a reception and ‘Thank You’ party. A portion of the proceeds from The Maine Idea sales will go to establish the Jean Trim Legacy Series Fund, which will support future NAA member celebrations of life and posthumous exhibitions.
