Plein Air Painters of Maine

 2024  PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF MAINE

The following are mostly 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 during May through October.  These events are hosted by volunteers and there is always room for more folks to help out with arranging locations and monitoring the 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.  Updated 4/11/24.

SOUTHERN MAINE CHAPTER (Portland Area)

Dates are in conjunction with the New England Water Color Society.  Contact:  Deena Ball  deenaball@mac.com  412-606-8808

Monday June 3, 2024 8am - 2 pm  Smiling Hill Farm, 781 County Road, Westbrook, Maine  04092Smiling Hill Farm is a 500 acre traditional New England Farm encompassing parts of the municipalities of Westbrook, Scarborough and Gorham.  Founded in 1720 as the homestead of Nathaniel Knight, the 12th generation continue to operate the farm today. https://smilinghill.com/

Tuesday June 18, 2024 9am - 2 pm.  (rain date June 19) Vayada Residence Gardens, 8 Carnoustie Drive, Falmouth, ME  04105  Contact:  Deena Ball  deenaball@mac.com  412-606-8808  

Wednesday July 10, 2024  8am-1 pm.  Tidewater Farm, Falmouth.   https://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/tidewater;  https://falmouthlandtrust.org/tidewater-farm-preserve  UMaine Gardens at Tidewater Farm 200 Presumpscot Rd. Falmouth ME  04105

Monday July 29, 2024  3pm -7 pm  Two Lights State Park.  Rte 77, Cape Elizabeth, ME  https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park id=28https://visitmaine.com/things-to-do/parks-natural-attractions/two-lights-state-park

Wednesday September 25, 2024  8am - noon Smiling Hill Farm, 781 County Rd Westbrook, ME 04092   http://smilinghill.com/Smiling Hill Farm is a 500 acre traditional New England farm encompassing part of the municipalities of Westbrook, Scarborough and Gorham.  Founded in 1720 as the homestead of Nathaniel Knight, the 12th generation descendants continue to operate the farm today.  https://smilinghill.com/

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WESTERN MAINE CHAPTER (Lewiston and western mountains)

Contact: Diane Dubreuil, ddubreuil2017@gmail.com

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MIDCOAST CHAPTER (Boothbay Region/Lincoln County)  

Wednesday schedule twice a month, mornings to mid-day.  Contact: Fran Scannell  franscannell@gmail.com   207-462-4657

Opportunity to exhibit art for sale at the Nichols Sortwell House on Main Street Wiscasset from June 1 to Oct. 15.  The theme is "Favorite Maine Places" and the commission will be 35% for artwork sold to benefit the Lincoln County Historical Association.  Contact:  Celia Ludwig celiaartist28@gmail.com 302-864-4834.  Artwork delivery to Celia should occur May 21-26.

Wednesday MAY 8, 2024  Topside Inn, 60 McKown St. , Boothbay Harbor  www.topsideinn.com    The Topside Inn offers birds eye views of the harbor and islands with lovely grounds and welcoming staff.  Do not use guest parking spots if there are only a few available, instead drop off gear and park in the lot near the town office/police station, or along the road near the Tugboat Inn.  No need to RSVP to Topside or Fran, just show up, set up, paint and enjoy.  May 15 rain date.  CONTACT: Fran Scannell,  franscannell@gmail.com

Wednesday MAY 22, 2024  GIANT'S STAIRS at BAILEY ISLAND  www.Harpswell.Maine.gov (town depts,trails).  Parking available at the Episcopal Church and along Washington Ave. Coastal trail is not difficult.  May 29 rain date.

Wednesday June 5, 2024  8am to mid-day.  Newagen Seaside Inn at the Southern tip of Southport Island, entrance off Rte. 27.  (newagenseasideinn.com)  Park in the first lot on the left after you go by the tennis courts.  Restaurant opens at 11:30.  We may paint anywhere outside on the property which has lovely gardens and harbor and river views.  Please do not block pedestrian traffic.

June Plein Air Days at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, TBA. (mainegardens.org)

CANCELLATION: Wednesday June 19, 2024  PEMAQUID LIGHTHOUSE PARK Brushes With Nature event has been cancelled due to extensive storm damage at the park.  A new date and location to be decided.

Sat. June 22, 2024 10 to 2pm. Lincoln County Historical Association Garden Tour, Artists will be invited, 10-3pm More details forthcoming.  Contact Celia Ludwig.  celiaartist28@gmail.com 302-864-4834. 

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NORTH MIDCOAST CHAPER (Port Clyde, Tenants Harbor area)

no dates at this time.

Contact: KarinStrong6@gmail.com.  Directions will be provided to painters who RSVP by email. 

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KENNEBEC VALLEY CHAPTER (Augusta Region)  Tuesday schedule once a month, 9am to 12noon or longer.. Contact: Cassie Sano, cassie.sano@gmail.com    978-239-9895

Tuesday May 14, 2024 9:00 am to noon  Old Fort Western, 8 Cony St., Augusta  Parking available at City Hall (next door) at 16 Cony Street.  ***They asked us to guarantee 10 or more will attend and a fee of $10/person will be charged. This fee is very reasonable. Last year we painted outside and inside.  Inside is great is the weather is not good.  When do you get to paint inside a museum?  Please email Penny that you will attend. pamarkley2014@gmail.com

Situated on the Kennebec River in the heart of downtown Augusta, Old Fort Western(1754) living museum and National Historic Landmark is America’s oldest wooden French & Indian War era garrison in North America. We can paint within the fort, either indoors or out, with a unique opportunity to paint replicas and original artifacts.  

CONTACT: Cassie Sano  cassie.sano@gmail.com CONTACT: PennyMarkley, pamarkley2014@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Hallowell Downtown and Granite City Park along the River.

Tuesday July 9, 2024 The Olde Federal Building and downtown Augusta

Tuesday August 13, 2024 Gardiner or Steep Hill Farm, Fayette https://maineblueberryfarm.com/

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Viles Arboretum, Augusta

Tuesday, October 8, 2024  Coos Canyon, Bryon

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