When Russell D'Alessio was growing up in New Jersey, he couldn't decide whether he wanted to be a rock and roll drummer, or an artist.  That was until his high school painting teacher brought him to see the Picasso retrospective at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art).  At the time, the Spanish artist was in his 80's, and Russ remembers wanting to reach that age with a similarly substantial body of work....""it was at that moment that I chose art," he said.

The 2016 Acadia ART Achievement Award goes to Russell & Linda D’Alessio. In the mid-sixties, Russell and Linda D’Alessio were introduced to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park while on vacation, awestruck by its natural beauty they knew someday this would become home. 

The dream became reality in 1974 with Russ fresh out of art school they packed their VW bug complete with two young sons and moved to Mt. Dersert Island from New Jersey,  (in February with no jobs!)  Bringing their artistic creativities and passion for the arts with them, Russ, a painter sold some of his originals and prints to local galleries and Linda, her weavings, it was selling these pieces of art that floated them through their first Maine winter and solidified their love for this place.

Living here in Maine has allowed them to pursue their creativity and passion for the arts and in the late 70’s opened a screen print company placing Russ’s designs on garments designed by Linda.  This line of fashion clothing, jewelry, and decorative accessories sold nationally and internationally including Givernay Gardens, Paris, France.

During this same period,they formed a side-company to help other Maine Artisans and Fine Craftsmen to market their wares, bringing Maine Art & Craft to the Maine and national market.   At that time, Linda presided on the Maine Governors board formed during the McKerran administration to promote “Made in Maine.”

 1989 marked the season they opened their first retail operation in Bar Harbor, Over the Moon Studios, focusing on their line of clothing and jewelry in a small space on Cottage Street.  A year later they moved to larger quarters and opened Pretty Marsh Gallery, this time featuring their line of clothing and accessories and many of the “Made In Maine” artisans they represented.  Operating in that location for 20 years they carried many Maine artist’s works of pottery, jewelry, and fibers arts, including Russ’s paintings, drawings, and illustrations. 

Forty-three years later they remain an interracial part of Bar Harbor and Maine’s art community.   Russell’s works can be found at D’Alessio Gallery on Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor and online, he also maintains a studio in town upstairs at Bayside Landing while Linda manages the gallery and its web presence, she is also instrumental in beginning Downtown Bar Harbor’s First Friday Art Walks and is currently Chairperson of the committee.  You can find more about the D’Alessio’s on the web at; www.russelldalessioart.com

July 24, 2015

Russell D'Alessio will host a champagne opening reception at the D'Alessio Gallery, 12 Mount Desert Street., Bar Harbor to celebrate the unveiling of new works on Friday, August 7, from 6 - 9p.m.

"Love in the Spring," a new series of works by the artist, are the product of almost a year's reflection on a road trip from Maine to Mexico.  Returning home with hundreds of photos, drawings, thoughts, and impressions, D'Alessio began exploring the concept of combining these mixed media and elements, composing imagery from the inspirations he had gathered. 

The public is invited to the show runs through August.  Visit www.rdalessioart.com

August 5, 2013  As seen in Forbes

"The proprietor, when offering his unprecedented and interesting collection of Animals...wishes it to be perfectly understood that it is most rare, varied, amusing and splendid Exhibition of Nature ever witnessed."   

July 2013

The Artistry of Russell D'Alessio - Renowned Bar Harbor gallery celebrating 24th year.July 2013. If it were possible to get a 'contact' workout, it would probably happen in the studio of Russ D'Alessio. To watch him create cause on to view his gift as a full body sport. The bobs, weaves, and other body languages that guide his brush strokes are almost as impressive to watch as the painting he creates on canvas. And like a fine maestro, throughout the workout, he never breaks a sweat.

August 2014

The third in a series of cookbooks written by Maine Author Kate Krukowski Gooding illustrated by Russell D'Alessio published in the fall of 2014.

October13, 2012

Key Bank in Portland is showing the paintings of Russell D'Alessio at their Monument Sq. lobby for Nov. and Dec.