Plein Air Painters of Maine 2025
2025 PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE --PAPME
The following are free opportunities for artists who paint outdoors. We do not advertise galleries unless they are hosting free plein air events. We do not advertise paintings for sale. Our goal is solely as a service to the artists who wish to paint outside and experience Maine's magnificent scenery May through October. These events are hosted by volunteers who welcome folks to help with arranging locations and monitoring events. Please email the contact person to let them know you wish to help. Note that there are fewer painting dates scheduled than in previous years. Schedule is subject to change and is posted on the Plein Air Painters of Maine Facebook Page. (Updated 4/18/25)
SOUTHERN MAINE GROUP (Greater Portland Area)
“BRUSHES WITH NATURE” EVENT WITH THE NEW ENGLAND WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
AND PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE
June 4 (Wednesday) SMILING HILL FARM http://www.smilinghill.
AND PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE
June 4 (Wednesday) SMILING HILL FARM http://www.smilinghill.
CONTACT: Deena Ball deenaball@mac.com 412-606-8808
KENNEBEC VALLEY GROUP (Augusta Region)
May 20, 2025 (Tuesday morning ) - 9 am to about noon (can stay as long as you wish)
Vaughan Woods, Hallowell, Corniche Rd. parking area in Hallowell.
INFORMATION: This is the park, not the homestead. We will get permission for the Homestead for a fall date. We painted in the park 2023 and 2024. Woodland trail and beautiful forested acres with stone bridges over a meandering stream and waterfalls. Parking area has been enlarged. No bathrooms https://www.tklt.org/vaughan CONTACT: Cassie Sano, cassie.sano@gmail.com, 978-239-9895.
Vaughan Woods, Hallowell, Corniche Rd. parking area in Hallowell.
INFORMATION: This is the park, not the homestead. We will get permission for the Homestead for a fall date. We painted in the park 2023 and 2024. Woodland trail and beautiful forested acres with stone bridges over a meandering stream and waterfalls. Parking area has been enlarged. No bathrooms https://www.tklt.org/vaughan CONTACT: Cassie Sano, cassie.sano@gmail.com, 978-239-9895.
KENNEBEC VALLEY GROUP (Augusta Region)
June 24 (Tuesday) - Ice Follies Farm, Manchester, ME 9 am to about noon
INFORMATION: This is a private hay farm with a beautiful old barn and lots of horses. It is also located down the road from a new KLT property which these farm owners donated. It is located at 159 Lyons Road in Manchester. We will meet at the end of Lyons Road.
Contact: Cassie Sano, cassie.sano@gmail.com, 978-239-9895.
MIDCOAST GROUP (Boothbay Region/Lincoln County)
May 14, 2025 (Wednesday) 9am to noon. Private Home in Bayview section of Boothbay Harbor. Join us for this unique opportunity to paint a beautiful private property with quaint cottages and coastal views. A limited number of artists may participate. RSVP email to Wendy Bellows at wendybelkor@gmail.com to sign up. No rain date. 207-841-2975 calls and texts.
MIDCOAST GROUP (Boothbay Region/Lincoln County)
May 21, 2025 (Wednesday) Cozy Harbor/ Southport Island - 9 am to about noon (can stay as long as you wish)
Route 27 South, past the lights at Hannaford. After crossing the Southport bridge, continue on Rt 27 for about 2 miles, to the school/fire dept. At the monument by the Southport General Store keep left, and take the second road on the right. There is a street sign "Cozy Harbor," bear right to Dockside Restaurant and the Yacht Club. Parking in the field on the right is always less crowded. Do not park on the access road to the boat ramp/launch.
Route 27 South, past the lights at Hannaford. After crossing the Southport bridge, continue on Rt 27 for about 2 miles, to the school/fire dept. At the monument by the Southport General Store keep left, and take the second road on the right. There is a street sign "Cozy Harbor," bear right to Dockside Restaurant and the Yacht Club. Parking in the field on the right is always less crowded. Do not park on the access road to the boat ramp/launch.
ALSO May 21 on Southport: Hendricks Head Beach/lighthouse view, off Rte 27.
After crossing the Southport bridge, continue straight on Rt 27. After about 2 miles, you'll
come to the area of the school/fire dept/ Southport General Store. Bear right at the
monument in front of the General Store and bear left onto Beach Road. Limited parking,
popular spot, no facilities. Porta Potty available outside at the General Store. 8 am to
whenever. Contact for this date: Fran Scannell 207-462-4657 No need to RSVP.
After crossing the Southport bridge, continue straight on Rt 27. After about 2 miles, you'll
come to the area of the school/fire dept/ Southport General Store. Bear right at the
monument in front of the General Store and bear left onto Beach Road. Limited parking,
popular spot, no facilities. Porta Potty available outside at the General Store. 8 am to
whenever. Contact for this date: Fran Scannell 207-462-4657 No need to RSVP.
MIDCOAST GROUP (Boothbay Region/Lincoln County)
May 28 (Wednesday) - 9 am to about noon (can stay as long as you wish)
Knickerkane Island picnic area (do not park in the boat launch side), and Porter Preserve
381 W. Barters Island Road, Trevett, ME 04571 This is a Boothbay Region Land Trust Property (see maps at BRLT.org)
(bring lunch or visit the Trevett Store, 381 W Barters Island Rd, Trevett, ME 04571)
Mid-Coast contact: Fran Scannell 207-462-4657 No need to RSVP.
May 28 (Wednesday) - 9 am to about noon (can stay as long as you wish)
Knickerkane Island picnic area (do not park in the boat launch side), and Porter Preserve
381 W. Barters Island Road, Trevett, ME 04571 This is a Boothbay Region Land Trust Property (see maps at BRLT.org)
(bring lunch or visit the Trevett Store, 381 W Barters Island Rd, Trevett, ME 04571)
Mid-Coast contact: Fran Scannell 207-462-4657 No need to RSVP.
HARPSWELL GROUP (NEW)
June 11 (Wednesday) Several sites, arrive after 8 am- stay to about 3 pm. Rain date June 12th. Harpswell Center / Kellog Church / Historical Society Building / Old Meeting Hall. Many architectural buildings, old cemeteries, rock walls, nature trails. The Horticultural club has gardens. Lots of parking at the historical society. Also: Lookout Point is close by. , 917 Harpswell Neck Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079 Working lobster wharf, islands, shoreline, frequently photographed and painted. Parking: Plentiful parking in this Harpswell Center. Bathrooms will be available at this location. Amenities: Itty Bitty Coffee shop is artist friendly and has sandwiches. Uncle Peet's Market south of this location has good food. Contact for this event: John Fitch.
FYI:June 12, 13, 14, 15 - Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (free for artists). Each artist must sign up through the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. mainegardens.org 207.633-8000. (June 17 & 18 - Antiques Road Show at botanical gardens, $ticketed event)
MIDCOAST GROUP (Boothbay Region/Lincoln County)
June 16 (Monday) Elmer’s Barn Antiques, 107 Coopers Mills, ME (rain date June 20)
Directions: Federal Street (Wiscasset), 13 miles; right on Me194E/Me218N. 4.5 miles; Left on Me126W/Me218N, 400ft; Right on Me218N, 3.1 miles; Left on Me17/Me32N, .3 miles to Elmers on the right. Porta-potty available on property.
Contact for this event: Cecilia Ludwig 302/864-4834
Directions: Federal Street (Wiscasset), 13 miles; right on Me194E/Me218N. 4.5 miles; Left on Me126W/Me218N, 400ft; Right on Me218N, 3.1 miles; Left on Me17/Me32N, .3 miles to Elmers on the right. Porta-potty available on property.
Contact for this event: Cecilia Ludwig 302/864-4834
“BRUSHES WITH NATURE” EVENT WITH THE NEW ENGLAND WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
AND PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE
June 25, 2025 (Wednesday) Pemaquid Lighthouse, Bristol, ME Free Event. Minor fee for parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, shaded and sunny locations, artists gallery, restaurant nearby may be open. No instruction, all levels/media welcome.
RSVP: Diane Dubreuil (NEWS) ddubreuil2017@gmail.com 203-770-2801;www.bristolmaine.
“BRUSHES WITH NATURE” EVENT WITH THE NEW ENGLAND WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
AND PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE
June 26 (Thursday) NEWS “Brushes with Nature” at: Mackerel Cove at Johnson Field, from 8:30am - 4pm 33 Abner Point Road Bailey Island, ME 04003 https://maps.app.goo.gl/
AND PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE
June 25, 2025 (Wednesday) Pemaquid Lighthouse, Bristol, ME Free Event. Minor fee for parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, shaded and sunny locations, artists gallery, restaurant nearby may be open. No instruction, all levels/media welcome.
RSVP: Diane Dubreuil (NEWS) ddubreuil2017@gmail.com 203-770-2801;www.bristolmaine.
“BRUSHES WITH NATURE” EVENT WITH THE NEW ENGLAND WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
AND PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE
June 26 (Thursday) NEWS “Brushes with Nature” at: Mackerel Cove at Johnson Field, from 8:30am - 4pm 33 Abner Point Road Bailey Island, ME 04003 https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Contact for this event: Elena Cronin 978-314-0208
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