Join us at the Thursday night for Networking, Learning and Engaging in a conversation about How Art Heals. Art Therapists, Healers and Artists join together in a facilitated panel discussion to share the role of Art in the Healing process. Networking, the Panel Discussion followed with time for additional engagement at the Maine Art Collective, 157 Middle St., Portland, Maine on October 15.
6:00 pm Networking
6:30 pm Panel Discussion
7:15 pm Conversation time about How Art Heals
Perfect for all that are curious about how art helps the healing process unfold and those that work with art and/or healing.
The Art Heals presenters come with a variety of educational backgrounds, healing methodologies and work with a variety of organizations some focusing on art therapy others on art itself with healing benefits from personal artistic growth and being in a supportive artistic community. Several of these women are from the Art Van and the Maine Art Collective. I thought of summarizing their information but instead, I share links with you to really learn more about them. Also here are links to the Art Van and the Maine Art Collective and the web answer (which I liked) to Why Art Heals from Psychology Today.
Thank you for your interest in the healing that comes through working with, art therapy and the creation of ART!!!
Technical highlights here, by clicking on each name it will take you to their web presence, except for Lisa Bard Clement who offers her philosophical approach to healing.
Jamie Silvestri: Art Van founder, Art Therapist. Many years in a variety of community and psychiatric care experiences before founding Art Van in 2004.
Julianna Nelson: Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Art Therapist.
Sue Vitner: Founder of Maine Art Collective, Artist, Massage Therapist, Coach and Human Design
Lisa Bard: Clement: Artist, Kitchen Designer, and Kindness and Environmental Advocate
Personal Statement (no web link) Art has the power to heal by giving shape to emotions words cannot express. Through color, music, movement, and creativity we find comfort, connection and hope. When shared with kindness, art becomes a bridge between people and reminding us that compassion can transform pain into beauty and understanding.
The Maine Art Collective, 157 Middle Street, Portland, Maine
October 2, 5-8 pm First Friday: Art Van Comes to Portland
October 3 & 4 pm Maine Craft Weekend: Make a Free Decoupage Sea Shell
October 2, 5-8 pm First Friday:
The Art Van Comes to Portland, Visit the Van and meet those who Inspire!
During 1st Friday, October 2, 2026, the Art Van Program will be at 157 Middle St. Portland to welcome people at their van. Visit them in the Maine Art Collective Gallery and in their Art Van. This is to announce the beginning of programming in the Portland areas. In addition to Art Van staff, Maine Art Collective Artists will be on hand to talk about art and share in refreshments. We look forward to seeing you on First Friday.
For 44 weeks each year, in a colorful 15-passenger van ArtVan’s Art Therapist and Therapeutic Program Manager, together with a Program Assistant and Creative Support Staff, visit youth in neighborhoods, schools, and/or local community centers where they live. Each week they carefully plan art therapy sessions to explore emotional, social, and cultural issues through the art making process. ArtVan empowers youth to safely manage emotional expression and engage in the larger community.
@artvanprogram
August 14An art therapy response from one of our program team members 💙 . During a recent program supervision, our team reflected on relationships with participants through art. Bowdoin intern Ariana created this piece based on an interaction with a young participant who initially kept his distance, choosing not to join the group. . Instead of pushing, Ariana simply sat beside him. With time, patience, and quiet presence, he began to open up. Soon they were talking, creating art, and connecting. . In her artwork, the blue lines represent the walls many of our participants build to protect themselves, while the yellow circle symbolizes the steady presence of staff working to build trust. One of the biggest lessons from this reflection: trust isn’t rushed—it grows by showing up, again and again. “I hope to continue building trust with this boy and other participants, and this reflection helped me better understand just how important that trust really is.”
@artvanprogram
August 21How do you quantify healing? . ArtVan is focused on process farm more than it is on outcomes, but we are always asked to provide indicators of success for our program. Healing isn’t always linear and can’t always be captured in a single moment, but our work with Bates student Lane Foushée, who focused his senior thesis on “How the Efficacy of Mobile Art Programs Positively Impact Emotional Health and Well-being in Under-Resourced Areas.” brings validation to what we’ve always seen and felt in our program – art therapy heals, and our mobile model is critical to the participants we serve. . Lane joined ArtVan’s programs and through observation and participant reflection and self-evaluation was able to gather this quantifying data. His findings strengthen what we’ve known all along – art therapy heals and our mobile model is critical to the communities we serve.
Create your own oyster shell ornament free! Oyster shells are ready with a wide assortment of napkins to choose from as you decoupage your own ornament. Shells will be prepared with a ring already attached for hanging or you may choose one without a ring. Enjoy the magical process of layering special glue and the lightness of a tissue paper design onto your shell.
Screenshot
Damp shells that will dry crystal clear! Join in the Magic!
The upper left is an oyster shell which is the free shell that can be a shell or an ornament, the lower shell is a sea clam shell. An assortment of additional shells will be available from $2 to $8.
Looking forward to seeing you on Maine Craft Weekend at the Maine Art Collective.
Happy Fall!
Jo Eaton
No Repeats Fiberworks, member Maine Art Collective
Join Us for a Talk & Walk with Abigail Dunnigan: Why Maine? Then and Now
Jen Pope Islands Acrylic
What drew artists to Maine more than a century ago? And why do artists continue to find inspiration here today?
The Maine Art Collective invites you to explore these questions during a special Talk & Walk led by Abigail Dunnigan, art historian and graduate student in Museum Studies at Georgetown University.
The program begins with a brief five-minute talk examining the reasons artists first flocked to Maine’s shores. Following the presentation, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the gallery with Abby and see artists the unique connection between Maine’s artistic past and its vibrant creative present.
Jen Pope Growing Wings Acrylic 15 x 30
Meet Abigail Dunnigan
Abigail Dunnigan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of Southern Maine in 2024 and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Museum Studies at Georgetown University.
Her academic work has focused extensively on Maine art and museum practice. As an undergraduate, Abby served as a research assistant for the exhibition Shifting Sands: Beaches, Bathers, and Modern Maine Art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Her research explored artists such as Reginald Marsh and George Bellows and their connections to Maine’s coastal communities, tourism, and leisure culture in the early twentieth century.
She has also worked with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, where she conducted object research, collections management, cataloging, and exhibition writing. Her experience combines rigorous scholarship with a passion for making art history accessible and engaging to the public.
Why Did Artists Come to Maine?
Long before Maine became a popular tourist destination, artists were discovering something extraordinary here.
The state’s distinctive northern light, rugged coastline, mountains, forests, islands, and working waterfronts offered subjects unlike those found elsewhere in America. They were drawn by the dramatic landscapes from the mountains to the North Atlantic, the changing weather, and the opportunity to capture a place that felt both wild and authentic.
The artists were drawn to Ogunquit, Katahdin and Monhegan Island, soon the word spread. The first artist colony was founded in Ogunquite. More painters arrived, followed by writers, photographers, and craftspeople who found endless inspiration in Maine’s natural beauty and unique character.
Why Do Artists Still Come to Maine?
The reasons have changed surprisingly little.
Today’s artists continue to be inspired by the same golden light, expansive coastlines, island communities, wetlands, mountains, and forests that captivated earlier generations. Maine remains a place where creativity flourishes because the landscape constantly offers something new to observe, interpret, and share.
At the Maine Art Collective, visitors can see how contemporary artists continue this tradition. While their styles, materials, and perspectives may differ from those of the early painters, many are responding to the same environment that first attracted artists to Maine over a century ago.
Maine Art Collective Artist, Marcia Feller’s art reflects her love of the ocean and particularly Stonington, Maine – A community built on the rocky Maine shoreline facing one hundred and eighty islands and the open North Atlantic. These images from her annual Solstice visits where she, her husband and friends rise in the dark of the night to sea kayak to an island for dawn of the longest day of the year, only then can you experience the magic and mystery that lead to her paintings.Marcia Feller Acrylic
Marcia Feller resides on an island in Casco Bay but for the longest days of the year; She, her husband and several other couples head to Stonington for a week of sea kayaking on the islands of Merchant Row and the Deer Isle Thorofare. On the longest day, they awake well before dawn so that they are on an island to celebrate summer Solstice with the magic of daybreak. The gentle light in her paintings that dawning light. As the day breaks and they later return to town, Marcia then captures the essences of this rocky granite community in the full daylight.
Acadia Summer Solstice – 24 x 30 Acrylic On Canvas in Maple Floater Frame Link First Light – Coots Island – 20 x 22 Acrylic on Canvas Framed Link
Experience the Connection
Following Abby’s presentation, visitors are invited to walk through the gallery and meet the artists whose work continues Maine’s rich artistic legacy.
Ask questions. Learn about their process. Discover what inspires them. See why they choose to live and create in Maine.
The Talk & Walk is an opportunity to connect Maine’s artistic history with the artists who are shaping its future.
We hope you’ll join us for this engaging exploration of Maine’s enduring creative spirit.
Maine Art Collective, 9 Mouton St, Portland, Maine
Meet the Artist: Stacy Lodato, First Friday, May 1, 5-8 PM.
Visit with Stacy, see her current artwork and learn about her art and inspirations.
Saltwater Marshes, Seascapes and Landscapes
Shady Side Version 2
Stacey Lodato’s creative journey began at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where she studied art and interior design. After two decades working with architectural and design firms, she founded SDL Designs—a full-service building and interior design company. Over the past ten years, Stacey has focused primarily on developing her art practice, bringing her talents to new heights.
As a founding member of the Meetinghouse Arts gallery in Freeport, Stacey played a pivotal role in its growth; serving on the board of directors from 2020 to 2024, then acting as gallery director and show curator until 2026. Today, she helping shape the local arts community through the gallery committee and as an artist member. Her art is also at the Maine Art Collective gallery on Moulton Street in Portland, Maine.
Stacey lives and works in Freeport, maintaining a full-time studio along Maine’s picturesque mid coast, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty around her.
Skinny Water
ARTIST STATEMENT
Stacey’s paintings are deeply influenced by Maine’s saltwater marshes, landscapes, and seascapes. She enjoys exploring how objects interact to define shapes, light, color, and patterns. Working with a traditional palette of warm and cool colors, Stacey pays careful attention to values, aiming to create richness and visual interest in her pieces.
Experimentation is at the heart of her creative process. Stacey regularly tries new techniques, styles, and media—including printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts. She participates in workshops and classes, both live and online, with artists such as Philip Frey, Patty Molica, Scott Gellatly, and Liz Prescott. For Stacey, art is an ever-evolving journey, and she embraces the excitement of continuous growth and exploration.
The story of Stacey Lodato is one of dedication, community involvement, and a passion for artistic discovery. Her work reflects the beauty of Maine and her commitment to lifelong learning, inspiring others to find creativity in their own journeys.
Between
Beyond it all, are the passions that drive Stacy to create. More directly from her.
A Creative Life: From Kitchen Tables to Studio Practice
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to making art.
Some of my earliest memories are of sitting at a friend’s kitchen table, completely captivated. Her older sister would always have a project spread out—paints, paper, fabric, something in progress. I would watch, fascinated, and whenever she invited us to join in, I was all in. There was something magical about the act of creating, about turning simple materials into something expressive and alive.
By the time I was in grade school, art had already claimed me. It wasn’t just a subject I enjoyed—it was the one that felt natural, intuitive, and endlessly engaging.
Growing Up Creative
My childhood was shaped not only by art, but by change. Our family moved frequently, and with each new home came a transformation. My mother would design and redesign every space we lived in, bringing personality and warmth into unfamiliar places. Some might describe her as having a “flair” for design—but to me, she was (and is) an artist. That was her medium, her way of expressing creativity.
So when people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer came easily: interior designer.
It felt like a natural extension of what I had seen and loved.
Learning the Language of Art
In college, I followed that instinct and studied art and design—but I didn’t want to limit myself. I took every class I could: watercolor, printmaking, painting, drawing, 3D design, even an introduction to graphic design. Each one offered a new way of seeing and making.
Later on, I explored ceramics as well, continuing to expand my creative vocabulary. That curiosity has never really left me. Even now, I’m drawn to workshops and classes—not just to learn new techniques, but to witness how other artists think, work, and solve creative problems. There’s always something to absorb, some new perspective to carry forward.
A Creative Career—and a Return
After college, interior design became both a career and a practical path forward. It allowed me to support myself while staying connected to creativity, much like my mother had done.
I spent 20 years working with architectural and design firms, building a career rooted in aesthetics, structure, and function. Then, after my son was born, I made the decision to go out on my own.
What followed was a gradual but meaningful shift—one that brought me back to a more personal, expressive art practice.
For the past 10 years, that has been my focus.
Inspiration Everywhere
People often ask if there was one artist who inspired me most. The truth is, there hasn’t been just one.
There have been dozens—traditional and contemporary artists whose work has excited me, challenged me, and expanded my thinking. Each has contributed something to the way I see and create.
But if I’m honest, the deepest influence came much earlier. It came from growing up in a creative environment—watching, absorbing, participating. That foundation made art feel not just like something I did, but something I needed to do.
Still Creating
Art has never been a straight path for me. It’s been something that’s woven through every stage of my life—sometimes in the foreground, sometimes running quietly in the background.
But it’s always been there.
And now, it feels like I’ve come full circle—back to creating for the sake of creating, grounded in a lifetime of experiences, influences, and curiosity.
Live Encaustic Painting demonstration by Pam Browne during the Maine Art Collective’s First Friday, March 6. Starting at 6 pm, Pam’s melted wax will create an Encaustic Painting on a raw wooden block panel, create base layers of wax, fuse them with a mini blow torch, explain the process, mix waxes, create detail with sculpting tools and layers of tinted wax. By 7:30 pm, she intends to have a finished Mini Encaustic Painting. Come for the whole process or drop in to get the feel of it all. She welcomes both viewers who want to see the whole process and those that just want a taste of Encaustic. And while you are there, enjoy her artwork and that of the other twenty artists, visit with artists and partake in refreshments.
Today I visited with Pam Browne to learn about her Encaustic Paintings, that is paintings that are created with layers of melted, pigmented wax. Everything is best in the artist’s own words and Pam is no exception. She was delightful in sharing with me about her work and how it has developed. This series of videos take you through her process. There’s a brief description under each video for your searching ease or to return to a favorite.
Pam shares her love of Encaustic! See you on March 6 and keep scrolling to learn more about her and Encaustic!
What story does it tell? Pam looks at her work from all directions, letting it give her further direction.
Gallery of Pam’s Encaustic Art, the sizes vary greatly and are not size relative in this gallery.
Art, at its most powerful, lives in contrast. In stillness and movement. In softness and boldness. For Pamela Browne, painting is a reflection of her love for extremes — and the extraordinary beauty found in both simplicity and vibrancy.
She is drawn to dreamy landscapes and bright florals, capturing the emotion and drama of nature through a dynamic mix of mediums including acrylics, pastels, cold wax oils, and encaustic. Working in an impressionistic style with touches of abstraction, Pamela creates distinctive pieces that stand apart through shellac drips, expressive splashes, collage elements, and stenciled textures.
Her work is a fusion of observation and emotion — inspired by florals, seascapes, and mountains — resulting in art that feels both restful and exhilarating, minimal yet radiant.
A Lifelong Love of Color and Texture
From her earliest years, Pamela was captivated by painting. Color and texture became her language. Although largely self-taught, she pursued learning with devotion — taking hundreds of classes, both online and in person — studying master artists while always remaining true to her own intuitive path.
Her professional life initially unfolded in social work, where she dedicated herself to helping others. It wasn’t until her retirement during the COVID pandemic that she was able to fully commit to her art practice. That turning point marked the beginning of an intensely creative chapter — one fueled by freedom, curiosity, and bold exploration.
An Experimental and Meditative Process
Pamela’s creative process is both experimental and meditative. She delights in working with encaustic, a medium whose unpredictability excites her. Using wax, pigment, scrapers, brushes, and mixed materials, she builds layered works that invite touch as much as observation.
She embraces risk and continually pushes boundaries in pursuit of what she calls an “extreme quality” — a level of depth, texture, and emotional resonance that sets her work apart.
Influenced by artists such as Alicia Torrey and Bob Burridge, Pamela’s greatest motivation remains simple yet profound: to radiate joy and peace into the world through her art.
Art That Uplifts and Inspires
Collectors frequently note the sense of calm and happiness her work evokes. Pamela’s paintings live in homes and hotels around the world, a testament to their broad and lasting appeal. She actively exhibits with the Maine art community in Ogunquit and Portland and is a proud member of regional arts organizations, including the Saco Bay Artists Association and Maine Women in the Arts.
To date, Pamela has sold hundreds of pieces — each one a vibrant offering of beauty, carrying its own quiet energy into a new environment.
A Life of Curiosity and Joy
Beyond the studio, Pamela is an avid skier, reader, traveler, and lover of theater and the Maine coast. This spirit of curiosity and adventure subtly infuses her work, adding depth and lived experience to every brushstroke.
Her ultimate aim is as generous as it is bold: to disperse as much art as possible that brings peace and happiness. She believes art holds a vital role — to uplift, to instill serenity, and to remind us of uncomplicated joy.
It is a joy she has carried with her since her childhood in Baltimore — and one that continues to shine through in every luminous layer she creates.
Pam’s Encaustic Paintings are shown at Maine Art Collective, 9 Moulton St, Portland, ME and beginning in May 2026, Pam will host an Open Studio from 3-5 every Saturday. Use the WAZE app for directions, 6 Brady Way, Unit 102. Online Pam can be found at Pamela Browne Art.
An Open House and Gathering of Artists from the three Maine Art Collective Galleries, Perkins Cove, Ogunquit; Middle Street and Moulton Street, Portland. Join us to meet the artists who are gathering to thank and celebrate our art community.
The January 11, 2026 12-2 PM
Maine Art Collective, 9 Moulton Street, Portland, ME
Coming from any direction, The Maine Art Collective on Moulton Street is just steps from Fore and Commercial Streets in the Heart of the Old Port.
Click Middle Street to hear form the Middle Street artists saying Thank you for a Great Year!
You’re invited! Come mingle with us at our first MAC Mingle at Moulton this Sunday, January 11, from 12–2pm. There will be refreshments, music, and plenty of MAC artists from all three galleries to meet and connect with.
We hope this note finds you well-rested, healthy, and enjoying a fresh start to the New Year.
Over the past few days, I’ve been working on our 2025 1099s, and it’s filled me with so much gratitude. Thanks to your support, MAC was able to help 56 local artists show and sell their work this past year. We truly couldn’t do this without you, and we’re deeply appreciative of the role you play in making our mission possible.
Our Middle Street location in Portland is now closed for the season. If the space is available, we’re hopeful to return with a pop-up gallery in May. In the meantime, we’re grateful to be working with our landlords to keep the storefront “activated,” so you can still enjoy a bit of window shopping—many artists currently have work displayed and available for purchase in the windows.
We’re also excited to share that five artists from our sister galleries have joined us for the winter season at our Moulton Street gallery. There’s lots of new artwork to see, and we hope you’ll stop in. Please note our winter hours at 9 Moulton Street are Thursday–Sunday, 10am–5pm.
With sincere thanks and warm wishes for the year ahead,
The Maine Art Collective’s Pop-Up at 157 Middle Street, Portland closes for the season on December 31 at 4:00PM, Popping up again in May 2026.
The MAC Artists thank you for another artful, delightful season. The MAC’s Ogunquit Perkin’s Cove Gallery closed on December 21 and will reopen in April and the newest location at 9 Moulton Street, Portland is the year-round location.
MAC Middle Street Artists are saying Thank You with a closing sale with numerous artists offering discounts of 25%. Here’s a sampling of artists (underlined artists have a link to their information) that are offering discounts at this time.
Julia Van Daam works in multiple media types: Photography, Painting, Pottery and Historic Photo Reclamation. All items at 25% discount.
Annie McClain delights us with birds that are appearing and disappearing, ethereal landscapes, and works that range in size to draw us in or to widen our perspective. All of Anne’s work is 25% off.
Lisa Bard takes the work of recycling seriously, creating her paintings on recycled canvases, wood and even on her Kindness Rocks, a pocket or desktop reminder for Kindness everyday. Her artistry delights with its colors, whimsey and depth. All of Lisa’s work is 25% off.
Tamara Savage Clay loves Maine and celebrates it with flowers and ocean landscapes. She and her husband positioned themselves where any daily errands, school bus rides or work take them beside or over the North Atlantic. She has another wall of work in the gallery with her ocean paintings. Her paintings are 25% off.
Marcia Fuller delights in her versality! Once a painting, now an embellished canvas print, a scarf, purse, pouch, print or notecard! What delicious representations of our state from her island home to Stonington, the town at the end of land reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean only bounded by distant islands. Her work is 25% off.
Jo Eaton creates a wide variety of one of a kind hats that include Maine Landscape hats, Handdyed handspun Abstract Flower Garden Hats, simple beanies and more. These are being offered at 25% off and her needlefelted heart pins range from $20 to $27 and now all $20 and 3 for $50.
Several other other artists are offering 25% discount including:
Paintings, Photography, Prints, Scarf, Hat, Notecards and more! Scroll down for some of the twenty-five items being raffled.
December 21, 2025 Maine Art Collective Open House 4-7 PM
Raffle Drawing at 6 PM
Ticket Sales Close: December 21, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Maine Art Collection draws the winning tickets for their Raffle Fundraiser for Maine Needs, a statewide organization that provides assistance for all in need. Learn more here about Maine Needs.
Sampling of top Raffle items, total 25 painting, photographs, prints, hat, scarf, cards and gifts. First grouping is the viewing, second grouping contains details, Item, Artist, Medium, Size and Value.
Edge of Knowing, Sue Vittner, Photo on Canvas, @18 x 24”, $595
Keeping scrolling for details and values. Thanks for visiting.
Stonington Harbor, Marcia Feller, Giclee Print on Archival Paper, 15” x 15”. Needle Felted Heart Pin from Handspun Yarn, Jo Eaton, 2 1/2” x 2” Photo Four Notecard Group, Jim O’Reilly, $20Mini Maine Landscapes, Jen Pope, 3 “ x 3”, $45 each, Raffled individuallyOyster Mushroom Dance, Julia Van Daam, Photo print on Metal, 12” x 12”, $72High Tide in Squeaker Cove, Marsha Campbell, Acrylic on Canvas, 5” x 5” , $75Scarf: Lyocel & Cotton, Marcia Feller, 79″ x 28″, $105Stand Next to ME, Lisa Bard, Acrylic on Recycled Canvas, 12” x 16”, $57Somber Marsh, Janer Land, Archival Print, 9” x 12”, $60Waiting for Captain, Tony Paine, Photograph Salt Glazed Pottery Crab, Rebecca HillmanWildflowers, Tam Veillux, PrintCelebrating Fall, Jo Eaton, Crocheted Hat, $150Charn, Tam Veilleus, 1” x 2”, $20Just Ducky, Tony Paine, Polymer Clay, $20Screenshot
December 5, 2025 Maine Art Collection joins in Creative Portland’s First Friday Artwalk with a Gratitude Party and Raffle Fundraiser for Maine Needs, a statewide organization that provides assistance for all in need. Learn more here about Maine Needs.
The Raffle runs until December 21, 2025 5:55 PM. The drawing of artwork begins at 6:00 PM. Holiday Cookies and drinks will be provided.
Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Please join us in connecting in community, celebrating art and supporting Maine Needs.
Raffle Items as of 12/3/202M5
The artwork is being inventoried and will be listed here with photo, artist and price. These photos are to give you an overview while I get the items ready.
The Maine Art Collective looks forward to seeing you on First Friday, Dec 5, 2025 from 5 to 8 PM! Our raffle supporting Maine Needs runs to Dec 21. We’ll celebrate the drawing and sharing with community with Holiday Cookies and Drinks
Visionary, Founder, Leader of the Maine Art Collective
July 21, 2025
Sue Vittner’s Tranquil Horizons 60 x 48 available at the Maine Art Collective, 9 Moulton Street, Portland, Maine.
Close up of Tranquil Horizons.
Listening, that’s a gift through which Sue Vittner shares her gifts with all of us. Through listening to messages received during meditation, Sue began painting with her fingers. It takes her back to the meditative state and the colors flow with the essence of spirit. A spiritual message that many respond to, a message that can mean one thing to one person and something completely different to another but very satisfying and pleasing to both.
This does not define Sue Vittner, her listening takes many forms:
It’s a gift to have a great inner voice and even more important to listen to that voice. Five years ago, Sue inspired fifteen artist to join her in pop-up collective art gallery on Exchange Street in Portland, Maine. This Collective spoke to a huge need in the area for emerging artists! The Maine Art Collective now has three locations, one year round and two pop-ups featuring the work of 55, yes Fifty-Five Emerging Artists!
Fifty-Five Emerging Artists in Three Locations! Three galleries with a wide variety of styles, themes, fiber artists, pottery and more. The artists are divided up between the locations and some are in more than one and Sue is in all three.
Maine Art Collective’s permanent location:
9 Moulton Street, Portland, Maine 207-807-1044
Pop-ups are located at:
157 Middle Street, Portland, Maine ( just a couple of blocks away from Moulton Street) 207-650-7139
119 Harbor Lane in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine 207-467-0590
Many years ago, I first saw Sue’s work at the Fine Art Show in Bar Harbor . As I have seen it over the years, it continues to speak louder and louder to me. A few years ago I was looking at a collection of some of her small pieces and saw reflections of my children in each of them. The darker blue abstraction spoke to me of my son and his wife’s love of the ocean, clear grass green brought me to me daughter who loves all things green and the lavender always resonates with my youngest. Each spoke in color with movement that draws you into the image, just as each child draws you into their environment.
One day at the Maine Art Collective a young couple from New York City were purchasing a large painting of Sue’s. It was about six feet long by thirty inches wide. Shaded from light blues, white and medium blue to dark blue with the darker side having a taper on both sides, the husband saw Venus rising with it vertical and the wife felt the sun on the ocean and the oceanic reflection of the distant land. They left with the painting discussing which way to hang the painting and talking about the fact it might have to be rotated occasionally. It sounded like the painting was poised to become an active part of their life, communication and exploration.
This is part one. Part two is a delightful conversation about Sue and her life path. Coming soon!
Jo Eaton, No Repeats Fiberworks, Fiberartist at the Maine Art Collective, Middle Street, Portland, Maine 207-383-0421
