Community Calendar

Portland’s First Friday Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm. Its mission is to open the doors of Portland’s visual arts community by joining together and introducing a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artists and venues of Portland, promoting interest with non-exclusivity and easy-access, thereby strengthening the arts and community through diversity and celebration.

We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.

The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.

Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.

To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is May 1, 2026.

We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.

The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.

Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.

To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is May 1, 2026.

We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.

The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.

Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.

To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is May 1, 2026.

A visual exhibition, " Outside In" with Judith Allen-Efstathiou’s work including copper sculptures made from reused, vintage copper from the Maine as well as cyanotypes, lithographs and drawings.
For First Friday October 3 and November 7th from 5- 7:00pm the artist will be at the gallery and is happy to discuss her work with visitors
The exhibition runs until November 20 and is open 24/7
on the lower level of the Press Hotel below reception.

Portland’s First Friday Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm. Its mission is to open the doors of Portland’s visual arts community by joining together and introducing a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artists and venues of Portland, promoting interest with non-exclusivity and easy-access, thereby strengthening the arts and community through diversity and celebration.

We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.

The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.

Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.

To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is May 1, 2026.

We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.

The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.

Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.

To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is May 1, 2026.

A visual exhibition, " Outside In" with Judith Allen-Efstathiou’s work including copper sculptures made from reused, vintage copper from the Maine as well as cyanotypes, lithographs and drawings.
For First Friday October 3 and November 7th from 5- 7:00pm the artist will be at the gallery and is happy to discuss her work with visitors
The exhibition runs until November 20 and is open 24/7
on the lower level of the Press Hotel below reception.

Portland’s First Friday Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm. Its mission is to open the doors of Portland’s visual arts community by joining together and introducing a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artists and venues of Portland, promoting interest with non-exclusivity and easy-access, thereby strengthening the arts and community through diversity and celebration.