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.