As Waterfall Arts marks 25 years of building community through the arts, guests are invited to a summer filled with exhibitions, events and experiences that reflect Waterfall Arts’ past, celebrate its present and imagine its future.
It began in the woods of Montville in 2000 with a simple but powerful idea: that creativity, collaboration and connection can shape the world around us. A quarter century later, they are still guided by that same mission — and this summer, they are celebrating the artists and the community who have helped them grow every step of the way.
‘Portals into our Future’
A reception for “Portals into our Future,” a summer exhibition celebrating the future of art in Maine, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. June 28.
Art, at its best, invites us to rethink and re-see the world. As filmmaker Todd Solondz once said, it becomes a portal. And as artist Audrey Flack reminds us, “What makes for great art is the courage to speak and write and paint what you know about.”
“Portals into our Future,” curated by Ashley Page and Amy Tingle, is a bold response to the question: What does the next 25 years of art in Maine look like?
Featuring emerging voices, underrepresented perspectives, and artists whose work reflects deep sensory and cultural engagement, this show is a tribute to the people and practices that shape our creative ecosystem. The selected artists offer work that spans the personal and political, the intimate and the expansive — from the patterns of a blanket to the patterns of power. Through their eyes, we glimpse the Maine of today and tomorrow.
Participating artists include Dominique Ostuni, Sarah Renee Ozlanski, Jenny Ibsen, Bea Willemsen, Tara Morin, Dylan Ouellette, Carmi Katsir, Eleanor Anderson, Danikah Chartier, Rosalba Breazele, Maya Attean, Nolan Altvater, Hector Magaña, Sean Alonzo Harris, Chelsea Ellis, Bee Daniel, Meghan Brady, Elizabeth Jabar, Mads Owen, Evelyn Wong, Jamie Kruse, Elizabeth Ellsworth, Karen Gelardi, Jordan Kendall Parks and Janine Leffler.
Come on June 28 for an evening of art, conversation and celebration as Waterfall Arts opens its doors and studios. See glassblowers, printmakers and potters at work before enjoying a make and take activity. This event is free.
Summer Studio Tour
Ever wonder where the magic happens? Waterfall Arts’ first-ever Summer Studio Tour offers a rare glimpse into the private studios of some of Midcoast Maine’s most beloved artists. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 2 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 3.
Self-guided, free, and open to all ages, this two-day tour is a celebration of the talent that surrounds us. Pick up a map (available online in July), plan your route, and spend a weekend discovering the workspaces, inspirations and processes of the artists who make this region so vibrant.
Participating artists include Lesia Sochor, MJ Viano Crowe, Jerri Finch (with David Jacobson), David Estey, Kris Engman, Jan Owen, Anne-Marie Nolin, Bob Adler, Marcie Jan Bronstein, Alan Fishman, Kenny Cole, Kitty Wales, Lisa Kushner, David Lewis, Karin Spitfire, Janine Gates and Barbara Sullivan.
Whether you’re a longtime collector, an art lover, or just curious to see what’s behind the studio doors, this is your chance to connect directly with the creators who help shape our community.
25th Anniversary Gala + Auction
Tickets are on sale for the gala and auction happening this fall.
The 25th Anniversary Gala + Auction is a once-in-a-lifetime event that brings together the energy of the past two and a half decades with the promise of what’s still to come.
Hosted at the beautiful Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, the evening includes the following:
• Exclusive Art Auction featuring original works created by artists from our 25 Artists in 2025 exhibition. Bid on a unique piece while supporting the next generation of Maine creatives.
• Cocktails & Local Cuisine. Enjoy a specially curated menu and craft beverages by Trillium Catering and Cellardoor Winery.
• A Night to Support the Arts with guest speaker Suzette McAvoy, and the full creative spirit of our community on display, this is more than a party — it’s a powerful way to support Waterfall Arts and its mission.
Tickets are $175 ($75 tax-deductible). All proceeds benefit programming, studios, residencies, youth education and community events.
This summer marks a milestone, but it also marks a moment to reflect on where we’re headed. The artists we support, the voices we amplify, and the spaces we cultivate are all part of a shared vision: a Maine where creativity is accessible, valued, and thriving.
For full event details and updates, visit waterfallarts.org.
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