Get Your Art On, MDI!
Bar Harbor Historical Society's Hudson to Harbor's second annual local art invitational draws Maine talent and gives opportunities for beginners to create, too
BAR HARBOR—Way back on September 3, 1844, the painter, Thomas Cole, came across the state of Maine and ended up at Lynam’s farmhouse on Schooner Head in Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor wasn’t the first Maine stop for the founder of the Hudson River School of painting. Cole had been to Penobscot Bay, Beech Mountain, and then finally came to Mount Desert Island’s northeast shore. Once here, looking out at the Atlantic and up at the hills, he pulled out his sketchbook and the future of Mount Desert Island, and Bar Harbor, was made.
When Cole left Maine, via Ellsworth of course, he went back to New York and spoke of the island’s praises. One year, he brought Frederick Edwin Church and eventually multiple leaders in the world of American Art. They all painted and drew on the Bar Harbor plain and along the craggy coastline. Their paintings of the island? They sold, which gave them another motive and a means to return. And those images tempted other rusticators, sportsmen, boaters, and scientists.
Shortly after the Civil War concluded, Bar Harbor began to grow again.
While Bryant wasn’t a fan of the village, others were. And the village of East Eden in 2024 now holds many trees and flowers.
The flowers, the trees, the art, and the artists’ influence abounds this week as the Bar Harbor Historical Society, in collaboration with the Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve, presents Hudson to Harbor.
Drawing inspiration from the Hudson River School of landscape painting in the 19th century, the Hudson to Harbor art invitational gathers local artists to exhibit new works that reflect the surrounding landscape.
From July 23 to August 6, participating artists bring multiple learning opportunities so that anyone (regardless of experience or skill) can become a part of the artistic history of Bar Harbor themself.
On Friday evening, August 2, there will be a reception from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. for the invited artists to showcase their works. This will be a first chance to view the artworks created specifically for this event, to purchase art, and to speak directly with the artists. Cocktails and hor d'oeuvres will be served. There will also be an art raffle for a special piece chosen by Carl Little.
This ticketed event is presented in proud partnership with the Land and Garden Preserve with grant funding provided by the Onion Foundation. 50% of the sale price goes directly back to the artists while the remaining 50% is donated to the Bar Harbor Historical Society!
For more information, visit barharborhistorical.org, call (207)288-0000, or email info@barharborhistorical.org
COURSES:
In conjunction with the event, the Bar Harbor Historical Society is offering multiple art classes throughout the summer.