Connie Henderson, left in the photo.

 “I believe that we are all born to be creative and it is important that we develop the creativity and individuality that we are.”

A lifelong painter, Connie Henderson promotes art development in her personal endeavors and through teaching, and sharing, her art.

As a native-born Mainer, Connie uses a mastery of watercolor to capture an iconic essence of Downeast Maine as well as contrasts of subtle and striking hues of Maine-grown floral displays, and interpretive depictions of faith.

Her work as an accomplished watercolorist has earned a long list of awards, ribbons and prestigious honors including the Grumbacher Award and the Clairol Purchase Prize in Stamford, Ct. She regularly participates in juried shows as well as regional competitions and shows, including with the Valley Arts Alliance of central Maine. Among her juried shows were Catholic Art in the 80s and Contemporary Spiritual Art in America.

Born in Portland, she studied at Westbrook Junior College, Rhode Island School of Design, Boston University School of Fine Arts and The University of Maine Orono, where she received a B. A. in Fine Arts, and continues her studies towards a Masters degree. She credits her study with a course called Transformative Leadership at The University of Maine with Professor Judy Rogers to a greater understanding of  the creative process. 

Her studies in watercolor includes work with Jenny Davenport, AWS, Eliot Ohara AWS and NWS, Carlton Plummer,  Joe Occhipinti, Al Narizzano and locally under Phil Brockway and Vincent Hartgen.

After teaching art to children and adults for over 35 years, she has recently been investigating the effects of art on autism in children. Her teaching includes work through her own studio, Netcasters, 17 years in Bangor and more recently in Dixmont where she now lives, as well as 23 years as the art program for Saint Mary’s and St. John’s Schools in Bangor, now known jointly as All Saints.

Throughout her teaching, she professes continued learning from her students as she hoped they were equally learning from her.

Her work can also be seen throughout Maine in regional shows and galleries and the online gallery www.DirigoRoadgallery.com

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