“In the Grottos” by Renuka O’Connell, whose work will be on display during a solo show Aug. 26 to Sept. 15 in Damariscotta. Contributed photo

DAMARISCOTTA — Brunswick artist Renuka O’Connell’s work is to be on display during a solo show Aug. 26 to Sept. 15 in the River Room at River Arts at 36 Elm St.

O’Connell’s work in paint, assembly and embroidery has focused on racially-biased systems in America that have specifically impacted Black Americans as well as asylum seekers who arrive at the borders, according to a news release.

For a decade, O’Connell continued the work of her mentor, Kate Ransohoff, as a visionary art coach at Turtle Art Studios in Massachusetts. O’Connell’s work has been awarded prizes by The Brush Gallery, Arlington Center for the Arts, and the Manoogian Museum. The Art Connection in Boston placed eight of her paintings in permanent collections of nonprofits. She has appeared in the Union of Maine Visual Arts Journal on Origins 2018 and Regionalism 2018 and is a member of Maine’s Artists Rapid Response Team.

Recently, O’Connell has found inspiration in her “Tabernacles,” allowing rusted, marred, weather-beaten imperfections of vintage metallic arches to inform her vision. These works pay homage to Maine and her inner reflections of seasons and the multifarious cycles of change.

Also a writer, O’Connell had her writing published in a book, “A Different Story: How Six Authors Became Better Writers.” O’Connell maintains a studio in the waterfront Fort Andross Mill. Visit her website at renuartist.com.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 207-563-6868 or email the gallery at info@riverartsme.org.

“Color of the Human Race” by Renuka O’Connell. Contributed photo