“There’s something about the light.”
It’s a common refrain among artists in Maine when asked what attracts them to the state. In fact, the mystery and magic of Maine’s alluring natural light has been a source of endless inspiration for generations of artists—from legends like Homer, Hopper, Hartley, Katz, and the Wyeths, to legions of lesser-known and emerging talents.
That famous light and, of course, Maine’s legendary landscape—its breathtaking rocky coastline and abundant islands, peaks, lakes, and forests, offer a varied and veritable paradise for painters, photographers, craftspeople, and makers of all kinds.
It’s no wonder that Maine is dotted from Kittery to Calais with galleries galore, and that art aficionados and serious collectors travel to Maine in all seasons. June is an ideal month for hitting the Maine art trail and at the same time, exploring more of the state.
To help you curate your own “Maine Art Tour” this summer, we’ve come up with some mini-itineraries that feature several can’t-miss galleries along the coast (and one worthwhile detour to the Lakes Region).
KICK IT OFF IN KENNEBUNKPORT, THEN YORK
Why not kick off your tour in Kennebunkport, one of Maine’s premier destinations for not only art, but also history, beaches, and much-beloved lobster rolls?
First stop: Maine Art Hill for a deep dive into Maine Art, starting with the whimsical Wind Sculptures out front. Then you’ll find a three-building art campus, housing seven galleries, and representing 40 artists—all of whom have a connection to the Pine Tree State. It’s worth devoting a few hours to take it all in! Fortunately, the folks at MAH make that easy with free parking and the option of food delivery, so you can stay put and dine on their quiet, hidden patio.
From there, don’t miss nearby KW Contemporary Art, where the gallery’s just-opened Summertide exhibit will sweep you right into a carefree flip-flops-and-sunhat mood. Director Kiersten Wilcox looks for “art that moves and surprises” her and “speaks to our beautiful coast,” by established and emerging artists from Maine to Mexico and beyond.
Meander toward York and pop into the tiny but mighty River Current Art Gallery. Rosalind Fedeli’s home, studio, and garden is the best-kept art secret in Southern Maine. Rosalind shows her work all over the region, but she most relishes hosting guests at home (where, after art viewing, she sometimes offers tours of her garden’s exotic plantings.)
GREATER PORTLAND
In South Portland’s cozy Willard Square, you’ll find The Willard Gallery, which caters to collectors by appointment and tailors visits to their taste. The small cottage gallery specializes in seaside landscapes, color-field abstracts, and interior still-life paintings. Owner Meredith Perdue selects pieces “that I would most like to hang in my own home.” If the idea of booking ahead intimidates, show up for one of her casual garden parties. Don’t miss nearby foodie meccas Scratch Bakery and Scoops.
Across the Casco Bay Bridge, down onto the Maine Wharf in Portland, poke into Casco Bay Artisans. (Look for the red neon “Art” sign.) The 10-year-old gallery specializes in international fine art with a Maine focus and features more than 50 artists from around the world with an impressive variety of works, including fine art, handmade furniture, stained glass, and textiles. Linger a bit longer on that wharf and slip into Scales for local oysters and a summery glass of Provençal rosé.
Then run, don’t walk over to Elizabeth Moss Galleries’ beautiful, light-filled new location on Portland’s Eastern Waterfront. Like its nearly 20-year-old counterpart in Falmouth, the Fore Street gallery’s driving mission is to recognize Maine’s role in American Art—and in the process, plenty of recognition has come its way, too. Elizabeth Moss Galleries are renowned not only throughout the state, but also in art circles well beyond its borders.
LAKES REGION
If you’re craving lake time, go west toward Gallery 302 in the quaint village of Bridgton, close to Long Lake and Highland Lake. At the fine arts gallery, which turns 20 this year, artists are “juried in” and once accepted, become members of the cooperative, helping to run its day-to-day operations. This year, that includes hosting the 20th-anniversary celebration and auction on Aug. 8.
BRUNSWICK AND BOOTHBAY
On Main Street in the center of the charming college town of Brunswick, you’ll find Bayview Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of landscapes, seascapes, and marine art in styles ranging from Realist to Impressionist. “Artists make a gallery,” says director Susan Robertson-Starr, adding that “After 27 years of consistent gallery ownership, our roster is outstanding and rather well defined.” After Bayview, perhaps stroll down Maine Street to The Inn at 165 Park Row for light pub fare, then continue to Bowdoin College Museum of Art.
Black River Gallery in bustling Boothbay Harbor is owned by photographers Sue Kenney and Catherine Day. They feature award-winning artists who differ in style and medium, including New England-based pastel artist, Jeanne Rosier Smith, whose stunning oceanscapes are now on view. Black River Gallery also sells a variety of distinctive gifts. Many customers have become regular collectors, says Sue.
In East Boothbay is Kerr + Jones Fine Art & Craft, a destination gallery in a restored 1860s barn, where guests are offered espresso and cookies and invited to enjoy the deck and vibrant garden. Co-owners Diana Kerr and Kathleen Jones are also artists with backgrounds in gallery and museum curatorship. They understand how intimidating the art viewing experience can be, hence their gracious hospitality. They represent contemporary Maine artists and artisans who work in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, clay, metal, and wood.
THE MIDCOAST
It’s no secret that the midcoast region has always been one of the state’s most vibrant destinations for all who appreciate the arts, and the dynamic town of Rockland has been dubbed “the art capital of Maine.” No visit to Rockland or the region is complete without touring the nationally recognized Farnsworth Art Museum, which for 75 years has been celebrating Maine’s important role in American Art.
Just around the corner on Main Street is Archipelago, an artisanal gift shop and fine art gallery, which showcases a variety of works by more than 300 Maine artists and makers, highlighting natural, coastal, and working-waterfront themes. Like Maine’s weather, Archipelago is ever-changing, and frequent product updates make for an inviting year-round shopping experience.
But you can’t go wrong with a short jaunt to nearby Camden, one of Maine’s most picturesque towns with a gallery scene that rivals that of Rockland. In the heart of the village, family-run Small Wonder Gallery & Frameshop features artists from Maine and New England. Visit during Camden Art Walk (third Thursdays) for crackers, cheese, and wine, or a painting demo, and don’t miss the million-dollar views of windjammers and Harbor Falls just out the back door. Get a bite at Franny’s Bistro, Long Grain, or Natalie’s, then book a room at one of Camden’s many lovely inns.
STONINGTON AND BLUE HILL
Jill Hoy calls Stonington the state’s “jewel in the crown.” She should know, as she’s lived there her whole life and run the Jill Hoy Gallery there for 38 years. “Penobscot Bay has educated me as a painter,” she says. The gallery features her plein air oils, which are a visual feast that potently capture a sense of place. Take a hike on one of 20 local trails, head to JHG for First Friday, and then dine at one of the summer art colony’s many excellent restaurants. (Just ask Jill!)
Blue Hill is always worth a detour, but especially with a destination on the peninsula like the Cynthia Winings Gallery, which features contemporary artists from Maine and beyond, both established and emerging. Owner Cynthia Winings aims to offer a dynamic, thought-provoking experience with engaging events that bring the small seaside community together. Nearby are several other galleries, an exceptional local library, gift shops, and what Cynthia calls “the best coffee shop,” Bucklyn Coffee.
DOWN EAST
Crossing over to Mount Desert Island, drive south to Gallery at Somes Sound to see a diverse collection of fine art, sculpture, and furniture by artists and makers of national standing, all of whom have a tie to the Down East region. Owner Tyra Hansen first focused on furniture, then added other mediums. Most of her furnituremakers were taught by iconic craftsmen who were involved in the 1960s studio-furniture movement. The summer season opens with a month-long retrospective of William (“Bill”) Woodman, the celebrated cartoonist (The New Yorker and other publications), who died last year.
Make your way over to Bar Harbor, where elegant yet relaxed Argosy Gallery has delighted visitors for 28 years. Owner-director Amy Sidman says her gallery (now at 6 Mt. Desert St.) showcases paintings of coastal Maine “in the long, distinguished, still vibrant, and much appreciated contemporary and classical-realism traditions.” Artists hail from Maine to California and consider Acadia one of their greatest inspirations. On July 29, Argosy’s headline show opens with work by seven noteworthy artists under 50.
Wrap up your Maine Art Tour at Cygnet Gallery in Southwest Harbor. Cygnet is unique in that it’s a year-round gallery among mostly seasonal businesses. Director Kalah Ampungan likes to “embrace the local community, as well as visitors” by hosting events in all seasons. She works closely with design professionals to find statement art pieces. Several immersive shows are planned this year as well as J. McVeigh Jewelry trunk shows on “Summer Sundays.”
From Cygnet, consider kicking back with a cocktail on the waterfront at Claremont Hotel’s Batson River Fish Camp or dine at the stylish hotel’s Little Fern restaurant. Pondering your journey along Maine’s Art Trail, you’ll have no doubt about why Maine is so deserving of its oft-heard motto: “The way life should be.” ▪
