Galleries and Museum Stores
Maine has an especially rich history of visual art that includes the work of Native American artists and artisans, 19th century masters including Winslow Homer and 20th and 21st century members of the Wyeth family and graduates of the Skowhegan School. So it’s hardly surprising Maine hosts a varied slate of galleries, most celebrating the vibrant and surprising work of contemporary Mainers.
Caldbeck Gallery, Rockland
Opened since 1982, this Rockland gallery shows work by Maine painters, sculptors and photographers including Lois Dodd and Alan Bray.
Center for Maine Craft, West Gardiner
Located in the Maine Turnpike’s West Gardiner Service Plaza, this gallery offers a rich supply of Maine craft such as ceramics, fiber, wood and others along with exhibitions and performances. The Maine Craft Association runs a sister gallery, Maine Craft Portland, in Portland’s downtown.
Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Ellsworth
This large gallery, which represents contemporary Maine artists, is set inside Ellsworth’s historic courthouse and registry of deeds, both of which are restored 1830s Greek revival buildings. The gallery shows artists including Alison Rector and Charlie Hewitt and represents the estate of renowned photographer Berenice Abbott.
Cove Street Arts, Portland
This is a new gallery and arts space in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood. It was founded by designer Angela Adams; Sherwood Hamill, Adams’ husband and business partner; and John Danos and Kelley Lehr, the co-owners of Portland’s Greenhut Galleries.
Cynthia Winings Gallery, Blue Hill
This former barn in Blue Hill was converted to gallery space by painter and gallerist Cynthia Winings. She presents her own work as well as other contemporary Maine artists.
Greenhut Galleries, Portland
Founded in 1977, Greenhut is Portland’s oldest year-round gallery. It presents work by a number of contemporary artists with links to Maine, including David Driskell, Thomas Connolly and the late Neil Welliver.
Harlow Gallery, Hallowell
Opened since 1963, the Harlow is the headquarters and gallery for the Kennebec Valley Art Association.
Home & Away Gallery, Kennebunkport
The gallery features the work of Native peoples from Maine, Alaska, the Canadian Arctic and other parts of the United States.
Maine Fiberarts, Topsham
The gallery presents rotating exhibits by members of the state’s fiber-arts organization and community.
Maine Potters Market, Portland
This co-operative gallery, including works of 14 potters from across Maine, opened more than 40 years ago. It’s in downtown Portland.
Monkitree, Gardiner
This eclectic shop and gallery in downtown Gardiner features items such as jewelry, pottery, textiles and other arts and crafts, much of it from locals.
North Light Gallery, Millinocket
Founded by painter Marsha Donahue, this gallery in this North Woods town features works by Donahue and other artists inspired by the mountains, waters and woods of Maine.
River Roads Gallery, Skowhegan
The co-operative gallery of artists and artisans is located in downtown Skowhegan.
The Turtle Gallery, Deer Isle
Opened in 1982, this Downeast gallery presents works by contemporary painters and sculptors including Mary Aro, Marjorie Glick and Nina Jerome.
For more on Maine’s galleries, check out this guide.
Museum stores
Looking for something arty but not ready for a painting or sculpture? Try one of Maine’s museum stores. They offer items such as art books, prints and even art-inspired neckties. Maine museums with stores include the Bowdoin College Museum in Brunswick; the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland; the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath; Portland Museum of Art in Portland; and the Tides Institute & Museum of Art in Eastport.