Art tours in Mid Coast Maine
The natural beauty of Maine has inspired many works of art. Creative souls from all over the world have traveled here to capture the light and landscape in paintings, photographs and sculpture. Writers find muse for their writings everywhere in the fishing villages, blueberry fields and small towns. Artists such as the Wyeth Family, Edna St Vincent Millay, Robert McCloskey, E.B. White, Robert Indiana and Richard Russo have all at one time called Maine home. The local history of art can be seen in the many art galleries and events in Mid Coast Maine. Here is our suggested art tour and events for your next trip to Maine.
Start in Rockland Maine.
1. The Farnsworth Art Museum – The Farnsworth Art Museum is located in downtown Rockland. The Museum has a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America’s greatest artists. It has one of the largest public collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson, while its Wyeth Center features works of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth. The museum has become an anchor for the community and inspired other great galleries to pop up nearby. The campus of the Museum has different buildings scattered around the downtown. One unique building the Museum owns is in Cushing Maine, the Olsen House. The Olsen house was made famous by its depiction in Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. The farmhouse is not far from downtown Rockland and we highly recommend you add it to your art tour. Tickets for the Olsen House can be purchased at the museum.
2. CMCA – Also located in downtown Rockland, this museum is a welcomed addition to the art vibe of MidCoast Maine. The Museum was originally located in Rockport but moved to Rockland for a larger space. The Center for Maine Contemporary Art hosts established and merging artists. The large exhibit rooms are well lit and comfortable. The CMCA is located across the street from the Farnsworth Museum and a natural addition to any art tour.
3. Dowling Walsh Gallery – Unlike the CMCA and the Farnsworth Museum, you can actually purchase the art in the Dowling Walsh Gallery. This extremely high-end art gallery is impressive. Although you might not be able to pack one of these pictures in your luggage, we highly recommend going in and perusing the collections. The quality is amazing.
Make your way to Camden Maine
1. Page Gallery – A new and fun addition to the downtown art scene of Camden Maine is the Page Galle. Page Gallery is an American contemporary art gallery owned by artist Colin Page. The gallery exhibits a wide variety of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Maine's leading contemporary artists. The use of light in these collections is an obvious and delightful theme through out the gallery.
2. Small Wonder Gallery – This year-round, family owned gallery has been a staple of downtown Camden Maine since 1984. The gallery specializes in showcasing the work of Maine and New England artists and depictions of local scenery.
3. Camden Falls Gallery – Also a mainstay of downtown Camden Maine, the Camden Falls Gallery showcases original fine art, furniture, and sculptures from New England artists.
If you’re not one to organize a structured tour, and just want to meander around sipping wine, snacking on cheese and looking at beautiful art, then we are pleased to tell you that there are 2 art walks this summer in Mid Coast Maine. There is an art walk every first Friday in Downtown Rockland Maine and one in Camden Maine on Third Thursday. In addition to the fun art walks, the Camden Public Library hosts the Harbor Arts Festival in the Spring and the Fall.
After an enriching day of art enjoyment, relax at the Captain Swift Inn The warm hospitality and beautiful interior décor are ideal for encouraging the budding artist in us all. To find the dates of the Art Festivals and Art Walks, consult our Camden Maine Annual Calendar of Events Page.
