Artwork of Jacobus Baas Exhibited in Maine’s State Capitol

Hay There, oil on linen 24x30

The artwork of Jacobus Baas is now on display in Maine’s Capitol Complex as part of the Maine Arts Commission's Arts in the Capitol program.

The exhibit has been generously loaned by the Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, and will remain on display until the end of September. The work is viewable by the public throughout the week at the Maine State House from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and at the Blaine House from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Those wishing to visit the Blaine House are advised to call ahead.
Goose River Farm, oil on linen 24x30

Born in the Netherlands in 1945, Baas spent his early years in Rotterdam, surrounded by rich landscapes and cloud-laden skies made famous by the Dutch Masters throughout history. He arrived in the U.S. in his early teens with a deeply ingrained interest in art.

Baas initially channeled his creativity towards jewelry design. His unique and original works captured a following that resulted in over 35 years of success as a goldsmith at his business in Laguna Beach. This success has afforded Baas the freedom to pursue his first love, painting.

“Painting has become my full time passion; there is no time to make jewelry. The act of applying paint to a canvas has always been intriguing to me,” said Baas. “To transform a two dimensional surface and give it a feeling of space with carefully arranged brushstrokes, using the right colors and values is pure magic. Every time I paint on location, with each brushstroke I experience that magic again, and hopefully the viewer will experience it as well in the finished painting.”

Baas has been exhibiting his artwork for over 30 years and is currently represented by galleries in Maine, California, Hawaii, Washington and Texas. His work will be at the State House, Blaine House and offices of the Maine Arts Commission until the end of September.

All Arts in the Capitol events and free and open to the public; however, exhibitions are self-guided and may only be viewed within prescribed times: Maine Arts Commission Office 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; Maine State House 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; and the Blaine House - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Please call ahead at 207/287-2121). For more information on this and all programs available through the Maine Arts Commission, visit MaineArts.com.