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Art & Craft Galleries
When it comes to art and craft galleries, Maine shines like a polished gemstone. Historically, art colonies such as Monhegan Island and Ogunquit first drew artists to Maine. Now renowned centers and schools, such as the Haystack School of Craft, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Skowhegan School of Painting, and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship continue not only to lure artists from throughout the world, but also to influence the state's contemporary art scene. Many artists who've attended such programs have chosen to nourish their creative spirits by living here, drawing inspiration from the landscape or utilizing natural resources in making art.
Shopping for Maine made art and craft is a journey that can take you from small-town shops to downtown galleries, to offshore islands and north woods towns, down coastal peninsulas and up mountain roads. At the Center for Maine Craft in the Gardiner Travel Plaza, you can fill the gas tank, grab a coffee, and browse works from some of Maine's most talented artisans. Also, be sure to check out Maine’s excellent collection of museum shops where fine art and craft items can be found.
While solo and cooperative galleries allow you to view exhibits, many artists open their studios to the public and sometimes demonstrate the process. Art shows, craft festivals, auctions, and local art walks and studio tours expand the ways to find that perfect object, from folk art to fine art. And here's the best part: When you purchase a hand-crafted table, hand-woven Maine wool blanket, a coastal seascape painting, or other artwork, you're truly bringing home a piece of Maine.
