Coastal Maine, with its iconic rugged cliffs, charming fishing villages, moody weather, and lush landscapes, has long been a muse for artists of all types. From the quaint town of Spruce Head to the scenic shores of Rockland and bustling Portland, the Pine Tree State's thriving art scene showcases creative talent with incredible diversity.
Spruce Head's own The Craignair Inn is a hub for celebrating that vibrant local art scene — as well as a haven for rest and relaxation. With its own on-site Maine art gallery and a commitment to showcasing regional artists, The Craignair is the perfect base camp for art enthusiasts.
If you're interested in exploring Midcoast Maine's abundance of artistic expression, keep reading to learn about some of the most captivating galleries in the region.
1. The Craignair Gallery
Let's begin our Maine art gallery adventure right here at the inn. The Craignair Gallery is uniquely situated within the cozy confines of The Causeway, the onsite restaurant. With monthly rotating exhibits that showcase a wide array of artistic styles and mediums, visitors can expect to see an excellent overview of the Maine art scene. Local artists you may see work from include Pam Cabanas, Lydia Kaeyer, Bjorn Runquist, Justin Smulski, and many others. Look out for ceramics, pottery, glasswork, photography, and mixed media pieces, in addition to Maine paintings.
The Craignair Gallery is open from 12-5:00 p.m. seven days a week. The Causeway Restaurant gives you an immersive experience to Eat with Art, offering exclusive menu items, a bar, and a cozy, intimate space centered around a fireplace.
2. Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockland
Just a short drive from The Craignair Inn in Rockland, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) is a long-standing beacon of contemporary creativity. This cutting-edge institution was established over 70 years ago and focuses on artists with connections to Maine. The CMCA provides a venue and platform for innovative, thought-provoking exhibitions that push the boundaries of traditional art.
3. Gallery at the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Rockland
For those seeking a more intimate Maine art gallery experience, this is truly a hidden gem. The cooperative gallery occupies a space in the visitor center of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The rotating exhibits primarily feature works inspired by the coast's breathtaking, rugged natural beauty. There's also a large focus on conservation and its significance, particularly in Mid-Coast Maine.
4. Camden Falls Gallery, Camden
Camden's maritime culture and stunning landscapes have long served as inspiration to artists and other creatives. Overlooking picturesque Camden Harbor, the Camden Falls Gallery celebrates exactly that in a vibrant space showcasing mostly contemporary art. Shows rotate throughout the year, but all feature Maine and New England artists.
5. Tidemark Gallery, Waldoboro
Venture to Waldoboro to discover Tidemark Gallery + Cafe, a quintessentially Maine art gallery. It's an art gallery as well as an intimate cafe, occupying a historic 19th-century building in Waldoboro Village. Tidemark is a hub for local artists, serving as a space to both get inspiration (over delicious, scratch-made soups and sandwiches) and display work.
6. Art by Katy Gallery, Stonington
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Art by Katy Gallery, a whimsical standout among Maine art galleries. The gallery hosts pop-up events that center on "fine art, fine people, and fine munchies." Between these pop-ups and gallery owner-artist Katy Allgeyer showcasing her own paintings, no two visits are ever the same. At any given time, you'll find gift items, home decor, jewelry, pottery, and vintage and antique collectibles.
7. Harbor Square Gallery, Camden
Harbor Square is widely considered one of the best Camden Maine art galleries, which is really saying something — the small town is home to dozens of galleries. The gallery hosts a lovely variety of mediums, from sculptures and paintings to ceramics and jewelry. Sculpture has always been a major element of Harbor Square, and patrons would visit the former Rockland location solely to lay eyes on the rooftop sculpture garden.
Whether you're drawn to contemporary works or more traditional forms of art, Maine art galleries will leave you feeling inspired and enriched. And, to fully immerse yourself in the Maine fine art scene, book your stay at The Craignair Inn. There's nothing quite like unwinding in a comfortable, inviting retreat by the sea, drink in hand, after a day of exploring galleries along the coast. Not only can you savor a delicious meal in The Craignair Gallery, but you'll also have the opportunity to discuss your discoveries with other art enthusiasts.