Join me at Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk — the Farnsworth, favorite galleries and shops, plus a peek at the art scene down the peninsula.
Art in Maine
Hello there! I’m back!
Sorry I missed you last week — I was busy in Minnesota with baby snuggles and toddler play. (More on that later!)
Before I packed my bags, though, I spent a rainy Friday evening in Rockland at their First Friday Art Walk — the kickoff to a vibrant season of creative events here in Midcoast Maine.
Today on the blog, I’m sharing a look at Maine’s long-standing appeal to artists — and why so many are drawn to the light, landscape, and sense of place here.
We’re taking a walk through nearby Rockland, widely known as Maine’s Art Capital, with its rich mix of galleries, studios, and two major institutions: the Farnsworth Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art.
I’ll also explain what the Art Walk is — and what it’s like to experience it in person.
Along the way, I’m highlighting a few of my favorite galleries and shops. Plus let’s take a peek at the creative scene down the peninsula where I live.
So grab your umbrella — we’ve got art to explore!
Maine: A Muse for Artists
Maine has a long and rich history as an artistic haven. Drawn by the rugged coastlines, dramatic light, and timeless sense of place, painters, sculptors, and writers have found inspiration here for over a century.
The Wyeth family—N.C., Andrew, and Jamie—are particularly important figures in the Rockland area.
N.C. Wyeth, renowned for his illustrations, established a summer home in Port Clyde in the early 20th century. This laid the foundation for the family’s connection to the area, which endures to this day.
N.C.’s son, Andrew Wyeth, spent summers painting in Port Clyde and often rowed across the St. George River to Cushing to visit Christina Olson, the subject of his iconic painting Christina’s World.
Jamie Wyeth continues the family legacy, residing on Southern Island near Tenants Harbor, where he draws inspiration from the surrounding landscapes.
Beyond the Wyeths, Maine has nurtured a vibrant artistic community. The state’s numerous art colonies and residencies have attracted creatives from around the world.
Notably, Monhegan Island has served as an artists’ retreat since the mid-19th century, hosting figures like Rockwell Kent and Edward Hopper. Monhegan remains popular with artists today. There are approximately 20 artist studios and galleries on the island, and the Monhegan Museum of Art & History offers rotating exhibits that showcase the island’s rich artistic heritage.
You can read about my trip out to Monhegan with my family in my blog post: Visit Maine | My Scrapbook From a Summer Week With Family.
Of course every part of Maine has an art story to tell — this is simply the one closest to home for me.
Rockland: The Art Capital of Maine
Just 25 minutes up the coast from my little village, Rockland is often called the Arts Capital of Maine. And for good reason!
Once a working-class cannery and fishing town, Rockland has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. And while it still has a working waterfront (the canneries are gone, thankfully…), the heart of downtown now beats with creativity. Studios, galleries, eclectic boutiques, and restaurants fill the historic brick buildings, giving the town a fresh energy.
At the center of it all are two world-class institutions: the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA).
The Farnsworth celebrates Maine-inspired American art, with an impressive collection that includes works by the Wyeth family (of course!), George Bellows, and Louise Nevelson.
Just across the street is the striking modern structure designed by architect Toshiko Mori that houses CMCA — showcasing contemporary Maine artists and keeping the conversation fresh, current, and always unexpected.
What makes Rockland so special, though, isn’t just the institutions — it’s the spirit of the town itself. Art feels like a natural part of the place, from gallery walls to shop windows to bold murals painted on the sides of buildings.
I feel so grateful that I can live in a small fishing village and yet still have access to all of this — two world-class museums and a variety of galleries just a short drive away.
Maine is full of creatives. It never ceases to surprise me!
If you’re in the Midcoast area, a visit to Rockland is a must!
Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk
Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk!
From May through October, this event brings the town to life in a special way.
Held on the first Friday evening of each month, the Art Walk invites locals and visitors alike to explore the downtown’s many galleries, shops, and studios at a slower, more social pace.
Galleries stay open into the evening, some with new exhibit openings. Most offer snacks and wine (Cheers!). The Farnsworth and CMCA both open their doors with free admission — a great opportunity for everyone to take in their latest exhibits.
Shops and boutiques keep their lights on late, adding to the festive feel.
The whole town seems to buzz — sidewalks full of people popping in and out of spaces, chatting, and mingling.
I almost always run into someone I know when I go. And one time I even saw Jamie Wyeth at a gallery! He was hard to miss in his signature long coat, knicker pants, and wildly patterned socks.
Again, I feel so fortunate to experience something that feels like a big city art event — right here in our quaint seaside town.
Favorite Rockland Galleries
With over 20 galleries in Rockland, there really is something for everyone. I don’t think I’ve even stepped into all of them! I usually stick to a few longtime favorites. And with the rain during the May Art Walk, I kept things shorter than usual.
Art Space Gallery
A cooperative gallery representing 16 Maine artists. It’s a small, intimate space with a wide range of styles and mediums.
Many of the artists are present during Art Walks, and the work here tends to be more affordable than in other galleries — approachable and personal.
Open May through December. Visit the website
Landing Gallery
My favorite! A bright, airy space focused on Maine landscapes — the kind of work that makes my coastal heart happy. The light in the gallery is beautiful, and the art always feels deeply rooted in place.
Blue Raven Gallery
A stunning space with three floors of contemporary work from a diverse group of artists — photographers, painters, and sculptors. The rooftop sculpture patio even has views down to Main Street!
The art here is bold and unexpected — not your typical coastal fare.
Dowling Walsh Gallery
Now closed to the public, though their collections can still be viewed by private appointment.
This was the big-name gallery in town — museum-level shows, sky-high prices (well out of my range), and always worth a wander.
The good news? The Farnsworth has purchased the space and will be expanding their shop and public programming there. A win for all of us!
Favorite Shops in Rockland
Rockland is also full of small, locally owned shops that reflect the town’s creativity. And good news — most of my favorites have online stores, so you can enjoy a little Rockland retail therapy wherever you are!
Farnsworth Museum Store
A wonderful selection of art books, prints, stationery, and gifts — a must-stop whether or not you visit the museum.
Beautifully curated and full of temptations!
Archipelago | The Island Institute
Another favorite! Half of the space is a rotating art gallery, and the other half showcases Maine-made goods — home decor, jewelry, textiles, gifts, and more.
Sea Bags
Bags made from repurposed sails, designed and sewn right here in Maine. They offer everything from totes to wine bags to accessories — featuring designs like lobsters, anchors, lupine, and more.
You can even create a custom bag.
Studio 412
My favorite clothing store! A beautifully edited collection of independent designers, accessories, and gifts — plus their own clothing line, designed and sewn right in Rockland.
Sadly, they just announced they’ll be closing at the end of the year. So visit while you still can! Or, shop online while it lasts.
Winifred & Evalyn
A treasure trove of vintage finds and thoughtful gifts — from Parisian linens to small-batch body products, stationery, candles, cocktail mixers, artwork, and more.
Creativity Down the Peninsula
While Rockland might be the cultural hub of the region, there’s no shortage of creativity closer to home.
The peninsula I call home has long attracted artists, writers, and makers. (Remember the Wyeth family?!) It must be the endlessly inspiring views and the slower pace of life that encourage creativity to flourish.
In fact, artist studios and small galleries are tucked all over the peninsula. In the summer, open studio signs pop up along the roadside. Weekly gallery openings draw neighbors and vacationers alike — a chance to catch up, sip some wine, and admire the art.
Even our little library hosts regular art shows, giving local talent a place to shine.
Out and about, it’s not uncommon to spot a plein air painter with their easel perched on the shoreline, capturing one of my favorite views.
And on clear evenings, photographers gather at the lighthouse, hoping to catch that fleeting moment when the sun meets the horizon and the sky lights up.
It’s truly inspiring to live in a community so full of creative energy.
I am definitely ready for summer, when the peninsula comes alive — with art, light, and all the people who are drawn to this special place!
This Week Into Next
I had the most fabulous visit with my daughter and her sweet family last week!
Mira is absolutely precious — the spitting image of her big brother Jamie as a newborn. She’s an easy baby, up just once in the middle of the night and still napping for most of the day. She likes to be held in the afternoons, and I was more than happy to oblige!
Jamie is a sweet big brother, all while maintaining the typical toddler-boy pace of life — constantly on the go, with words tumbling out of his mouth non-stop. He turned two in January, such a fun age!
It was so special to spend Mother’s Day with my daughter and grandchildren. Leah and I even snuck away for a dinner out — a rare treat! I hope those of you who mother (in all its forms) had a wonderful day as well.
As much as I enjoyed my visit, it always feels good to be home again. The trees still haven’t fully leafed out here, but the landscape outside my windows is dotted with delicate white blossoms. Of course, I couldn’t resist cutting a few branches to bring inside.
In anticipation of Memorial Day weekend (so early this year!), I’ll be making a few changes around the house this weekend. I’ll share those with you next week!
I promise to get that post done before I head to Lynchburg, Virginia, for three days of cycling over the holiday weekend. I got out on my bike a few times this week. It always makes me feel carefree, like I’m a kid again.
I hope you allow yourself to experience those feelings sometimes too.
Have a wonderful week!
