Notebook, 1993-

DIRECTORIES - A Representative Listing with Periodic Corrections and Additions

Visual Arts in
Maine . . . . . . CT . . . MA . . . ME . . . NH . . . RI . . . VT . . . NE

Prominent sources for art news and calendar events are listed in addition to art museums, professional schools, arts organizations, associations and centers. This directory suggests the wealth of visual arts experiences and resources in Maine. Note that it is not a complete list! Be sure to search online for any area of interest that is not included here.

News
Be sure to explore area Colleges and Universities for publications and join them and the museums, artists, galleries and the many arts institutions and associations in Maine and the New England Region on social networks for updates on their resources, projects and events.

Maine Arts Commission News and Events Calendar . . . . . Directory of Artists & Organizations

Maine Art Directory . . . . . Maine Gallery and Studio Guide . . . . . The Free Press [Serving Midcoast Maine since 1985] . . . . . Today's Events - The MaineToday.com Calendar . . . . . Road Trips - Acadia, Rangeley and the High Peaks, Old Canada Road . . . . . Maine Antigue Digest . . . . . Bangor Region Arts and Culture . . . . . New England Foundation for the Arts Calendar . . . . . Art New England . . . . . artscope - New England's Culture Magazine & Blog . . . . . NemaNews [New England Museum Association]. . . . . New England Entertainment Digest . . . . . American Craft Council Calendar [By State]. . . . . New England Artisans Guild . . . . The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. . . . . Center for New England Culture - [University of New Hampshire] . . . . . Creative Ground / New England Cultural Database - (New England Foundation for the Arts)

Featured

Artist Retreats/Maine - Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts with equipment on-site that includes a variety of kilns, potters' wheels, clay mixer, pug mill (visual arts) . . . . . Acadia National Park AIR Program open to 2D visual artists, photographers, sculptors, performers, writers, composers (visual, literary, performing arts) . . . . . Skowhegan School . . . . . Mohegan Artists Residency . . . . . Magic Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and Guest House with weekly fees for artists seeking renewal and solitude . . . . . Haystack Mountain School of Crafts . . . . . Eastern Frontier Society (literary, visual, performing arts).

Maine Art Museum Trail - "For generations, American artists have found inspiration in the splendor of Maine, since the time when Frederic Edwin Church, Fitz Hugh Lane, Thomas Cole and others first came here in the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, Maine has become a haven for such renowned artists as Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, George Bellows, Marguerite Zorach and three generations of the Wyeth family. It was through the artist's eye that the world first caught a glimpse of the distinct light that shines on Maine. And it is the influence of their work that has helped to make Maine the artistic treasure that it is today. - - - - - Maine Map - The counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, Washington, and York counties - - - - - Home - "The Story of Maine on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network was made in partnership with the Maine State Museum. Major funding was provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services." - - - - - Maine Memory Network - "The Maine Memory Network, a project of the Maine Historical Society, provides access to thousands of historical items belonging to over 200 organizations from across Maine. Search for or browse these items, explore online exhibits, or create your own collection of images from the database." - and - Vintage Maine Images - - - - - A Timeline of Maine Arts & Culture - "Learn about Maine's contribution to the arts" - - - - - Maine's Masters Program - "The Maine Masters Project was begun in 1999 and has created an ongoing series of profiles of some of Maine�s most distinguished and often less recognized visual artists who articulate the importance of art making."

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) - "Homer moved to Prout's Neck, near Portland, on the rocky coast of Maine by 1883. There, for the rest of his life, he painted the sea and those who made their living from it . . . . " - ( National Gallery of Art - Washington, DC)

Skowhegan (Maine) - "Neither a 'school' in the traditional sense nor a 'retreat,' the program seeks to create the most stimulating and rigorous environment possible for artistic creation and interaction by providing a concentrated period of work, created with the critical assistance and camaraderie of a distinguished faculty of resident and visiting artists . . . . . The founding and development of Skowhegan in 1946 is deeply connected to the explosive energy and elan that characterized post-war American culture. In the mid-1940s the art world was in ferment; what was to become known as the New York School was yet in its formative stages. Willard W. Cummings (1915-1975), a New England portrait painter, shared his vision for enriching and educating the practical art experience of young artists with a friend he had met while in the Army War Art Unit, Sidney Simon (1917-1997). Along with Henry Varnum Poor (1888-1971), already an established presence in the American art scene, and Charles Cutler (1914-1970), a New England stone sculptor, these men founded an American summer art school that would ultimately achieve an enduring place in the development of American artists of all persuasions: the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. . . . . Skowhegan draws its vitality from the talent and energy of the participants, and the community they create. Founded in 1946 by artists, and still governed by artists for artists, the program provides an atmosphere in which participants are encouraged to work and explore free of the expectations of the marketplace and academia. Alumni often report that the intensity of the Skowhegan experience has had a profound effect on their work and their lives. In order to allow others entry, no artist is allowed to return for a second summer. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Ogunquit - Beauty by the Sea - "Ogunquit's ability to lure fine artists dates back to 1888 when Charles Woodbury (1864-1940), a young proper Bostonian, stumbled upon Perkins Cove, a small picturesque inlet with colorful, sturdy New England sailing dories and weathered fish shacks . . . . . ."

Museums

Maine Art Museum Trail . . . . . Abbe Museum - [Bar Harbor] . . . . . Bates College Museum of Art - [Lewiston]. . . . . Bowdoin College Museum of Art - [Brunswick] . . . . . The Brick Store History and Art Museum - [Kennebunk] . . . . . Colby College Museum of Art - [Waterville] . . . . . The Davistown Museum - [Liberty - A regional history, tool and art museum in the hill country of central coastal Maine] . . . . . Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center - [Rockland] . . . . . The Institute of Contemporary Art - [ICA at MECA] . . . . . LC Bates Cultural and Natural History Museum - [Rockland - Maine Natural History, Art, Americana, Archaelogy and Ethnology] . . . . . Maine Archives and Museums - [Augusta] . . . . . Maine Maritime Museum - [Bath - Local Marine History and Marine Art] . . . . . Monhegan Museum - [Monhegan Island] . . . . . Nowetah's American Indian Museum & Store - [New Portland] . . . . . Ogunquit Museum of American Art . . . . . Penobscot Nation Museum of Artistry and Culture - [Indian Island] . . . . . Portland Museum of Art . . . . . Saco Museum - [Fine and decorative arts and historical artifacts] . . . . . University of Maine Museum of Art - [Orono] . . . . . University of New England Art Gallery & Collection - [Portland] . . . . . Victoria Mansion - [Portland] . . . . . Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving and Wildlife Art Exhibits - [Southwest Harbor]

Professional Art Schools and Departments

Maine College of Art . . . . . Bowdoin College Dept of Art - Visual Arts Center - [Brunswick] . . . . . Colby College Art Department - [Waterville] . . . . . College of the Atlantic Arts and Design - [Bar Harbor] . . . . . Haystack Mountain School of Crafts - [Deer Isle] . . . . . Maine Media College - Photography, Filmmaking, Multimedia . . . . . New England School of Communications - Digital Media, Television, Advertising/Public Relations, Radio- [Bangor] . . . . . Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture - [NYC & Skowhegan] . . . . . University of Maine Art Dept - [Farmington] "The UMF Dept. of Sound, Performance, and Visual Inquiry (SPVI) is committed to challenging the contemporary boundaries of the arts. Its innovative interdisciplinary curriculum creates an exciting environment for collaboration and exploration of the arts" . . . . . University of New England Art Gallery - [Portland] . . . . . University of Southern Maine Studio Arts and Lewiston-Auburn College Atrium Art Gallery at the Univ. of Southern Maine - [Lewiston]

Art Organizations

Maine Arts Commission - [Augusta] . . . . . "The Maine Arts Commission shall encourage and stimulate public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and cultural programs of our state; shall expand the state's cultural resources; and shall encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression for the well being of the arts, to meet the needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state." Maine Arts Events, Programs for Arts Organizations, Schools, & Communities, Programs for Artists, The Directory of Artists and Organizations, Public Art Programs, News & Publications.

Maine Folklife Center - [University of Maine, Orono] . . . . .

Bureau of Parks and Lands . . . . . State Historic Sites.

Maine Office of Tourism - [Augusta] . . . . . Upcoming events Calendar

Academy of Carlo Pittore . . . . . "A cadre of local artists get together as often as four times a week to draw from a live model at The Academy of Carlo Pittore, otherwise known as the Berry's old chicken factory. Carlo hires the models, trains them, schedules the sessions, collects our payments, and encourages us to keep the faith." - Bowdoinham,

Acadia Plein Air Group . . . . . "Welcome to our Homepage! We are a group of artists that meet every Monday morning to paint 'en plain air' . . . . "

Acadia Workshop Center . . . . . "The Acadia Workshop Center is located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, home of Acadia National Park. It is situated on the ocean at Seawall, a natural sea stone barrier. Offering quality studio space plus incredible plein air locations with lodging and meals, we pride ourselves in providing our guests with a relaxing and fun learning experience."

Maine Artisan's Marketplace . . . . . Artisans Index, Craft Coops, Bar Harbor Artisans, Boothbay Harbor Artisans, and more.

Barn Gallery - "Barn Gallery is owned and administered by the Ogunquit Arts Collaborative . . . . it was built by the Barn Gallery Associates in co-operation with the Ogunquit Art Association in 1958 to provide an exhibition space for the artists of the OAA and a center for cultural activities. The building itself is an icon and a superb exhibition space. It is unique in York County and together with the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Ogunquit Playhouse it is a vital part of the lively cultural life of Ogunquit and the surrounding area."

Center for Maine Contemporary Art - [Rockport] . . . . . "For over fifty years, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art [the former Maine Coast Artists] has been at the heart of contemporary Maine art, providing people the opportunity to view and appreciate works by many of the best Maine artists --from emerging artists not seen elsewhere, to the acknowledged masters of our day." Biennial Competition. Exhibitions, Education, Professional Development, Gallery Shop.

Craft Emergency Relief Fund - [Rockport] . . . . . "The mission of CERF is to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States. CERF accomplishes its mission through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. CERF also advocates for the interests of craft artists. CERF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and is the only one of its kind in the United States."

Historic New England . . . . . "The oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country (Formerly known as SPNEA, The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities) . . . . A museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present and uses them to keep history alive and to help people develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England life and an appreciation for its preservation . . . . Founded in 1910 to protect New England's cultural and architectural heritage, SPNEA is an internationally known museum and national leader in preservation, research, and innovative programming. SPNEA is headquartered in Boston, with museums located throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island."

The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art - (ICA at MECA in Portland) "Features leading-edge exhibitions and public programs that showcase new perspectives and new trends in contemporary art"

Maine Archives and Museums - [Augusta] . . . . . "The purpose of the organization is to develop and foster a network of citizens and institutions in Maine who identify, collect interpret, and/or provide access to materials relating to history and culture. - Inlcudes extensive listings of museums in Maine."

Maine-Art.com . . . . . "Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, the galleries feature an unsurpassed selection of original paintings and limited edition prints by many of Maine and New England's most notable artists."

Maine Crafts Association - [Portland] . . . . . "The Maine Crafts Association is a 501c3 organization dedicated to bringing understanding and appreciation to the art of fine crafts in Maine. Since 1983, The Maine Crafts Association has accomplished its mission through high quality programming that educates the craft artist, collector and general public; supports the professional and creative development of craft artists; and provides opportunities for artists, collectors and the general public to come together through exhibits and shows of fine crafts."

Creative Ground / New England Cultural Database - (New England Foundation for the Arts) . . . . . "The New England Cultural Database (NECD) is an online data warehouse containing financial, demographic, geographic, and other related information about businesses, cultural organizations and individual artists in New England. It provides a searchable, comprehensive tool to the New England state arts agencies, members of the cultural community, industry groups, researchers, and the general public. Building on NEFA's previous work in Cultural Mapping, all information in the database is geographically coded to allow searches by location and support a variety of analyses based on geographic area. The NECD currently houses over 18,000 records. Unfolding in stages throughout 2004 - 2006, the NECD will eventually represent all of New England's creative economy, by expanding to hold a comprehensive set of records that includes for-profit creative industry businesses, nonprofit cultural organizations, and individual artists. A system of tiered admittance will provide varying levels of access to the information contained in the database.

New England Foundation for the Arts . . . . . "We creatively support the movement of people, ideas, and resources in the arts within New England and beyond, make vital connections between artists and audiences, and build the strength, knowledge, and leadership of the region's creative sector."

Northeast Bastket Makers . . . . . "Northeast Basketmakers Guild was founded in 1985 by a group of five Connecticut basketmakers. Since then, the organization has grown to include hundreds of artists. Members are predominantly from the northeastern United States, but now include artists from around the world. The mission of Northeast Basketmakers Guild is to further the art of basketry by nurturing the development of new basketmakers, while celebrating and supporting accomplished basketmakers. Workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, basket sales, member conferences, scholarships, fundraisers, open weave events and the publication of a newsletter are included in the activities of the Guild throughout the year."

Ogunquit Arts Collaborative - "Barn Gallery is owned and administered by the Ogunquit Arts Collaborative . . . . it was built by the Barn Gallery Associates in co-operation with the Ogunquit Art Association in 1958 to provide an exhibition space for the artists of the OAA and a center for cultural activities. The building itself is an icon and a superb exhibition space. It is unique in York County and together with the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Ogunquit Playhouse it is a vital part of the lively cultural life of Ogunquit and the surrounding area."

Port Clyde Arts & Crafts Society, Inc. - [Tenants Harbor] . . . . .

Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities . . . . . "The oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country . . . . A museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present and uses them to keep history and to help people develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of New England life and an appreciation for its preservation . . . . Founded in 1910 to protect New England's cultural and architectural heritage, SPNEA is an internationally known museum and national leader in preservation, research, and innovative programming. SPNEA is headquartered in Boston, with museums located throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island."- Changing to: Historic New England

Still Water for network art and culture - (University of Maine at Orono) . . . . . "Still Water is not a center--for a successful network has none--but a medium primed for the transmission of multiple waves of culture."

Timeline of Maine Arts & Culture - [MainePBS] . . . . .

Union of Maine Visual Artists - [Downeast, Midcoast, and Southern Maine Chapters] . . . . . "The Mission of the UMVA is to uphold the dignity of artists and to support a vital contemporary Maine art community striving toward excellence and quality, insisting on the ideal of art as a spiritual and aesthetic communication beyond commerce. . . . . UMVA is an all-volunteer organization run by the generosity and commitment of its artist members who believe that the presence of the UNION is both of practical and psychological benefit and importance. We are dependent upon membership fees and donations to cover operating expenses. What we are able to provide for the community is a result of the energy put into the UNION." - Monthly meetings with slide shows, Newsletter, Sponsors Exhibitions, Lectures, Panel Symposia, Films, Socials. "Champions the cause to end payment of entry fees for exhibition and continues to oppose any stipulation requiring artists to pay to exhibit expecially in juried shows."

University of New England Art Gallery - [Portland] . . . . . "The Art Gallery on the Westbrook College Campus of the University of New England, sometimes called "the Little Jewel," was built in 1977. The Gallery hosts about eight exhibitions each year, ranging from contemporary photography to early 20th century Latvian paintings, from women's art from around the world to images of historic Portland, Maine, in various media. It also occasionally arranges exhibitions at other locations on campus, such as the current installation 'Into the Present'. The Art Gallery also houses a permanent collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture by nationally- and internationally-known artists, selections of which are shown periodically in ongoing and special exhibitions."

Wethli Durrie Jones - [Brunswick] . . . . . "A creative partnership specializing in mural painting, public art, and architectural graphics."

The Western Maine Art Group . . . . . "Founded in 1962 by Prof. Lajos Matolscy with a handful of students, is a non-profit organization with 80 or more artists. Its purpose is to provide the community an opportunity to view fine art and for its members a space to exhibit their works. An 1850's schoolhouse has been transformed to an art gallery with a 2nd floor loft."