“Sightings and Beyond” will open in Northeast Harbor’s Shaw Gallery on July 20 and run through August 2.

“We are very pleased to present Mount Desert Island’s first comprehensive exhibition of this important artist’s work,” said gallery owner Sam Shaw. “As Dan O’Leary, Director of the Portland Museum of Art, has said, `Ralston proves himself, beyond any other photographer of his time, to be the direct spiritual descendent of Winslow Homer,’ and we know that this work will powerfully resonate with all who see it.”

Over 40 photographs will be on exhibit with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Island Institute’s Cranberry Isles Fellow.

The Shaw Gallery is open seven days a week, 9 a.m to 7 p.m., and a reception is planned for Thursday, July 20. For additional information, contact the gallery at 276-0716.

On July 7, Portland’s new Domaine Gallery will host an evening celebration of Ralston’s work, which will be on display year-round. The Gallery is at 223 Commercial Street, phone 772-2270, hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 to 6, Sunday 1 to 5.

Both shows will present images from Ralston’s book, Sightings, as well as new work never before exhibited. Ralston, who is vice president and co-founder of the Island Institute, has many book and magazine credits and has exhibited internationally. He was recognized for his photographic and environmental accomplishments by an honorary degree at Colby College in 2005. His work can also be seen at the Island Institute’s Rockland store, Archipelago.