A Hospitable Gallery
Located within a 100-year-old house in Northeast Harbor, Artemis Gallery offers guests a dynamic viewing experience.
If you feel right at home upon entering Artemis Gallery, that’s by design. With a background in hospitality, gallerist Deirdre Artemis Swords excels at making meaningful connections and creating an inviting atmosphere. “That’s what hospitality is,” Deirdre says. “I bring that philosophy into the gallery space.”
Located in what was once a home in Northeast Harbor, a quaint village on Mount Desert Island (MDI), Deirdre’s approach transforms into an immersive experience the moment you step inside. “It has a warm, welcoming feel,” she explains. “Here, the pieces are displayed as if they might hang in an actual home, creating an engaging way to experience the art.”
The art on view is vibrant and ever-changing, with Deirdre and gallery manager Ivy Sienkiewycz updating exhibitions every two to three weeks during the gallery’s season, which runs from May to October, with appointments available year-round. MDI is home to many non-profits; the gallery’s schedule takes this into account and donates a portion of the proceeds from each show to one such organization.
Visitors can expect to find contemporary works by over 80 artists with deep connections to Maine, many of whom live on MDI and the surrounding area. The result is a collection that offers a range of interpretations of the state, with diverse mediums and perspectives.
“My hope is that visitors leave with a piece of art that either evokes memories of their time spent here or deepens their connection to the place they call home,” Deirdre says.
Most of all, Deirdre enjoys bridging connections—whether it’s between the art and its viewer or between the artists and buyers. In fact, it was a serendipitous connection that sparked the gallery’s founding in 2012.
“With two young children at home, I was excited to explore a new vocation,” Deirdre explains. A ‘for rent’ sign in town, coupled with her background in art, sparked the idea of opening a gallery. After seeing the space with her husband and his friends—people who once owned a gallery themselves—the puzzle pieces of Deirdre’s new career began to click into place. “Cody Van Heerden and I connected right away and decided to open Artemis together,” she says.
The pair quickly outgrew their space in Bar Harbor and moved to Artemis’ current location in nearby Northeast Harbor. Sadly, Cody Van Heerden passed away in 2018 from ALS. “Although Cody is missed every day, it brings me so much happiness to keep her spirit and memories alive by keeping the gallery open,” Deirdre says.
While the gallery is easily accessible on foot, it can be tricky to see the storefront. Helpful landmarks include Milk & Honey, a local café-bakery, and Shaw Contemporary Jewelry—you’ll find Artemis tucked directly behind them. “Once people find us,” Deirdre says, “they never forget.”
The Cottage Gallery
Nestled in the curator’s enchanting back garden, the Willard Gallery is one of South Portland’s best-kept secrets.
“I wanted it to be approachable,” says Meredith Perdue of the Willard Gallery, a cottage-style, appointment-only showroom situated in her snug backyard. Its location, a stone’s throw from Willard Square, and the tantalizing aromas wafting from Scratch Bakery, is part of the draw. “Clients will book an appointment and make a whole day of it,” says Meredith, noting the gallery’s proximity to other tourist destinations, such as Willard Beach (two blocks) and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (less than a mile). That being said, don’t think for a moment that the gallery isn’t the main attraction.
Because it is.
“People think it (a charming mint green outbuilding with creamy white trim) is a historic carriage house,” says Meredith. “I love spending time in there.”
Enveloped by a weathered picket fence, the structure (sneakily, a new build) seems to blush behind a curtain of mature hydrangeas, the blooms bobbing like generous scoops of blueberry ice cream in the balmy summer breeze. In fact, the scene looks like a painting itself—and that’s before you even step inside.
“In-person appointments are one-on-one, and typically last about an hour,” Meredith explains. While the time block is just right to comfortably peruse the gallery’s available pieces, you’d be forgiven for never wanting to leave. White-washed shiplap walls, glossy white floors, and exposed ceiling beams, which are the width and hue of heirloom pumpkin pine, offer the kind of cozy, intimate environment conducive to whiling away entire afternoons over steaming cups of tea.
“We represent 27 artists from all over the world, and at a variety of price points,” Meredith says, noting that many of them have some tie to Maine or greater New England. “Personally, I’m drawn to landscapes, color-driven abstracts, still lifes, and bold pastels—in essence, works I would hang in my own home.”
Speaking of homes, for those in the market for, or, in the middle of a remodel, Meredith partners with esteemed interior designers in Maine and beyond to select pieces that align with a project’s design goals. She also facilitates commissions.
“I just picked up a commission from an artist in Boston for someone living in Tampa, Florida,” she says. “The process can be daunting, but I guide clients through it, every step of the way.” According to Meredith, the ability to be hands-on in this way is one of the many benefits of having such a small, tailored operation.
Her favorite perk, however, is that she’s never, ever bored. “Some days, I shoot art for the website, which is shoppable. Other days, I’m shipping and delivering. Just yesterday, I met with an artist, and we had tea together.”
Wouldn’t you know. At the end of the day, there’s still time for tea at the Willard Gallery, after all.
A Gallery Expedition
Just off the coast of Rockland, New Era Gallery gleams with not-so-hidden treasures, produced by a roster of 60 artists (and counting).
If painter-gallerist Elaine Austin Crossman doesn’t say “This is my favorite show ever!” upon hanging the last piece of artwork for an upcoming exhibition, then, according to her, she hasn’t done her job right. “I pour every bit of knowledge and experience I possess into every show; that’s my commitment to my artists. It’s my favorite part of this venture.”
By “this venture” Elaine means New Era Gallery, the seasonal (May through December) gallery she opened to display work by artists who she believed deserved better recognition. “As an artist myself, I was aware of the difficulty for island artists to get work shown in mainland galleries,” Elaine says, reflecting on her serendipitous foray into becoming a gallerist. “That’s what inspired me to start my own.” She opened her doors in 2002 with 12 artists. Now, 23 years later, the gallery boasts a roster of over 60 artists, almost all of whom have connections to Vinalhaven, the culture-rich island that both Elaine and her gallery call home.
“The fact that we’re on an island sets us apart,” she says. “People aren’t just driving up the coast and saying, ‘Let’s stop here.’ It’s interesting working out of such an isolated place.”
Indeed, the trip to Vinalhaven (a beautiful hour-and-fifteen-minute ferry ride from mainland Rockland) is no casual cruise. Those willing to make the jaunt, however, are in for a treat. “We are inherently an artistic community,” Elaine says, citing the island’s long history in the arts.
If you’re unable to make the trip, not to worry. The gallery’s website is continuously updated, and pieces are available for remote purchase. However, if you’re currently in line to catch the next ferry out of Rockland, here’s a taste of what you can expect:
“The gallery is comprised of three distinct spaces,” Elaine says, citing two buildings and an outdoor sculpture garden. One of the buildings, a restored carriage house, accommodates showing larger works and installations, and serves as a venue for performances and artist talks, which are part of an annual summer series. “The talks not only give our clientele a chance to learn more about what motivates our artists and inspires their work, but also provides a chance to build in-person relationships,” Elaine says. As for the works on display: “There are no limitations on the mediums the artists show nor subject matter, and I happily represent artists at all stages in their careers. I just look for how the art tells a story; how a piece conveys an artist’s connection to the island.”
Elaine’s own works, layered land and seascapes, are prime examples of this philosophy in action. Like everything at New Era Gallery, they’re well worth the trip.
Double Vision
With locations in Portland and Falmouth, Moss Galleries caters to an esteemed global audience.
Gallerist Elizabeth Moss represents a compelling roster of emerging artists, celebrated figures whose works have been featured in such prestigious exhibitions as the Venice Biennial, as well as prominent deceased artists, all from two of Southern Maine’s most established art spaces: her locations in Falmouth and Portland. The gallery maintains an extensive inventory at the Falmouth location, consistently displaying works from over 50 artists. To supplement this location, the Portland gallery focuses on national and international artists with a broad global reach.
Prior to opening the gallery in 2004, Elizabeth had formal training in museum studies and curatorial research, specializing in 20th- and 21st-century American art. Her passion for sharing her knowledge of both artists and the art world inspired her to open Moss Galleries. In 2022, she expanded into Portland to engage with the city’s vibrant arts scene. “I wanted a presence here because it’s the largest city in Maine,” says Elizabeth. “I felt I could present artwork in a different way, tailored to a slightly different audience.”
From the outset, Elizabeth’s mission has been to “recognize Maine’s role in American art.” She encourages visitors to consider the legacy of the Wyeth family, Robert Henri the Group of Seven, Lynne Drexler, and many others whose works have shaped contemporary American art. “Maine has been an essential destination for artists to experience the state’s remarkable beauty,” she explains, noting that the state has always been a welcoming place for artists and intellectuals, and she’s optimistic about the future of Maine art.
While both galleries share a similar aesthetic, each location has its own distinct atmosphere. The Portland gallery is a “jewel box of perfection,” with smaller, more curated exhibitions that have a prestigious feel. The clean, elegant environment offers a museum-like experience, but the lively artwork ensures it’s far from sterile. Elizabeth is committed to making visitors feel comfortable, regardless of their level of art knowledge. “It’s important that my staff is not only knowledgeable but also approachable,” she says.
The Falmouth gallery, which boasts concrete floors and industry-standard track lighting, offers a different vibe. Visitors are often surprised by how spacious the building is, which includes a front exhibition space, a larger secondary gallery, and a dedicated workspace at the far end. Here, Elizabeth displays work salon-style, hanging pieces from ceiling to floor, and offering a broad selection of over 500 works from all of the artists she represents. The price range spans from $600 to $700,000, with select VIP works valued in the hundreds of thousands. For those interested in viewing these high-value pieces, Elizabeth recommends scheduling an appointment.
Elizabeth’s discerning eye anticipates which pieces will endure, and she selects works with a timeless quality that she believes will continue to resonate with the art world. Whether you’re perusing in Falmouth or Portland, both locations feature rotating exhibitions every six to eight weeks, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to discover at Moss Galleries.
Barn Staging
A historic Freeport barn is reborn as Sidle House—an art gallery and, sometimes, a music venue.
“I remember growing up in an old farmhouse in Orono, and thinking how wonderful it would be to host music events there,” says musician-gallerist Maddy Vertenten. Now, as the owner of Sidle House, a gallery located in a barn on her property in Freeport, she does just that.
Surrounded by four acres of fields, the barn, a 100-year-old structure that her daughter aptly nicknamed “Big Beauty,” offers an intriguing environment to view select, internationally sourced contemporary works, and has a colorful history as a creative space. “When we purchased our house, I learned that the previous homeowner was an artist. She used to paint in the barn, and even had a heater installed for use on cooler days,” says Maddy.
The rustic interior is an asset. Wood-drenched and warm, the original stalls and patinated fixtures provide texture and contrast to the works on display and simultaneously soothe patrons. “I think a lot of people keep themselves from going to galleries because they might feel like they don’t have the right education, experience, or income that would allow them to acquire art for their own collection. This space feels comfortable; familiar and accessible by contrast.”
The experience extends outdoors, where Maddy exhibits sculptures year-round, arranging pieces against the property’s rolling landscape and the barn’s weathered shake exterior. “This is a fun place to install art. The old barn compliments the pieces and makes me slow down to consider the right location for each one.”
While Maddy doesn’t have a background in visual art, she does have a deep appreciation for the work. Plus, her experience as a musician infuses her venture with an unexpected albeit harmonious twist. This past October, guests were treated to a concert of electronic musicians whose ambient sounds paired with the exhibition on display.
On the topic of exhibitions, Maddy holds up to six per year, including an annual early-winter favorite called S.N.O.W. (an acronym for “small new original works.”) “It’s submission-based,” Maddy explains. “I’m open to artists of all kinds.”
Rather than resume, Maddy leverages her intuition while curating all of her exhibitions, leaning into works that she finds compelling, regardless of an artist’s experience. “My goal is to support artists in their pursuit of earning meaningful livelihoods,” she says. To this point, she hopes to renovate the barn to carve out space for residency programs and workshops one day, keeping one eye firmly fixed on the future of Sidle House.
Prior to opening the gallery in 2023, a friend gave her a piece of sage advice: “Just try it and see if it works.”
“Somebody recently asked me when I’m going to retire,” Maddy laughs. Her reply? “I love meeting people, artists and collectors alike. This is not a job I ever want to retire from!”
Proof that the endeavor was well-worth the effort.
Village Gallery
In a sunny space Kiersten Wilcox is showing art from around the world.
If you’ve never visited the Kennebunks, this—i.e. a trip to KW Contemporary Art—is your cue.
Positioned amid boundless boutiques, eateries, and the emblematic Dock Square, proprietor Kiersten Wilcox has fashioned a fresh gallery space, which is bursting with contemporary works that blend coastal inspiration with sharp, global visions. “I like to bring in pieces that resonate with what we love about Maine, but that also speak to a broader sensibility,” Kiersten explains. “I also love introducing art to this region that people might not know about otherwise.”
Case in point: Kiersten’s recent collaboration with Brazilian artist Maria Laura Ribeiro, whose portraits not only combine imagery of iconic women on vintage magazine covers, but are also, quite literally, covered in diamond dust.
Kiersten is proud to showcase pieces by artists in the US and world-wide, including the UK, Spain, Columbia, and Canada. She grew up in Connecticut and cut her teeth frequenting some of New York City’s premier museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, where she refined her aesthetic eye. “Opening a gallery was my long-term goal,” Kiersten says. In 2020, she took a calculated risk and opened KW Contemporary Art, bringing her dream full circle.
Located on the top floor of an airy building in the heart of Kennebunk Village, the gallery space is comprised of an alchemy of natural light and bright white walls and floors. “I think customers can really appreciate the individual pieces because of the elegant simplicity of this space,” Kiersten says.
If a piece catches your eye but you’re unsure of how it will mesh with your home’s existing decor, Kiersten has a seamless solve. “We offer an art rental program. Clients can keep a piece in their home for up to three months to see if it’s a good fit. This is especially useful for people who just bought a new place or are in the process of redecorating and trying to find their style,” she says.
As the adage goes, the biggest risks often yield the greatest rewards. For Kiersten, the spoils that come with running her gallery extend beyond being part of Maine’s vibrant arts community, hitting even closer to home. “My six-year-old daughter tells me she’s going to help me run the gallery one day. She’ll pretend to pack a suitcase for a trip to Paris, saying she must jet off to sell a piece of art,” Kiersten laughs. “I can’t even put into words what it means to be a role model for her in this way.”
Much like the pieces Kiersten curates, we imagine it’s priceless.
