THE ART LOVER’S GUIDE TO COLLECTING FINE ART IN MAINE
The eastern coastal state of Maine is the embodiment of charm and class. Its small, sea-faring harbor towns are whimsical works of art in and of themselves, and its many tiny islands are full of magic. From Kennebunkport to Castine to Rockport and so many more, each community—delightfully picturesque in their own ways— exude a sense of maritime appeal with numerous fishing ports, lighthouses, crystal blue waters and greenery flowering with brilliant bursts of color. Not surprisingly, the region has captured the attention of such noted artists as Thomas Cole, Winslow Homer, Marsden Hartley and others, and has an abundance of arts and cultural venues sprinkled throughout the state.
On the second Friday of every month in the fishing village of Kennebunk in southern Maine, visitors can partake in the Village Art Walk, a free self-guided walking tour of art galleries, studios and organizations of Kennebunk’s Lower Village, as well as Kennebunkport’s Dock Square and Ocean Avenue. Art walks are held in the evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Also found in this charming seaside town is Maine Art Hill, a bright and inviting gallery with sunlight spilling in to highlight the artwork of the 35 artists it represents—all of whom have some connection to Maine whether they once lived in the state, live
there currently or spend a great deal of their time there.
The destination city of Portland’s downtown Arts District covers a large portion of upper Congress Street toward the West End. Here, visitors will find an array of art galleries including Congress Square Gallery, Fore River Gallery, June Fitzpatrick Gallery and Greenhut Galleries, whose owners recently opened the community arts space Cove Street Arts. Portland is also home to the Maine Historical Society and the Institute of Contemporary Art. During the First Friday Art Walk, visitors can tour the lively city’s art galleries, studios, museums and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m.
North on the Rockland Harbor is the Farnsworth Art Museum, which houses more 15,000 works in its collection. The museum boasts one of the nation’s largest collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson, and its Wyeth Center features the works of Andrew, N.C. and Jamie Wyeth.
A number of other outstanding art museums call the state home, some of which include the Bates College Museum of Art in Lewiston, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art in Brunswick, Monhegan Museum of Art & History on Monhegan Island, Colby College’s Lunder Institute for American Art in Waterville and more.
A view of historic Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Photo by CFW Photography. Courtesy Visit Portland.
MAINE ART HILL
14 Western Avenue, Kennebunk, ME 04043, (207) 967-2803 info@maine-art.com www.maine-art.com
Maine Art Hill is home to four unique art destinations—The Gallery, Shows, The Grand and Studios. The Gallery, open year-round, is celebrating more than 20 years as one of southern Maine’s premier art gallery destinations. It proudly represents over 40 fine regional and Maine artists, each having some connection to Maine whether they are from there, live there currently or are lucky enough to spend time there when they can.
Shows, located in a historic home at 10 Chase Hill, is an intimate gallery setting for viewing original artwork with stunning natural light and a striking Wind Sculpture garden. Shows are scheduled June through September. The Grand is part of The Grand Hotel and features new works from select artists from The Gallery. This space is open year-round.
Studios, which opened in May 2018, is located just steps away at 5 Chase Hill Road.
It is a collection of six micro galleries representing highquality artists and artisans. Upcoming shows at Maine Art Hill include Craig Mooney from July 20 to August 8; Claire Bigbee, Bethany Harper Williams and Kathy Ostrander Roberts from August 10 to September 2; and C. Ellen Welch Granter, Richard Remsen, David Witbeck and David Riley Peterson from August 31 to September 26.
“Falling in love with a sculpture or painting requires insight and story. Falling in love with an artist requires understanding and history. Falling in love with a gallery requires trust and comfort. Over the years we have worked hard to create a comfortable place to enjoy the beauty that is art in Maine. All of our artists give their heart and soul creating the work here at Maine Art Hill.”
– John Spain, gallery owner, Maine Art Hill