It’s Local Season at Maine Art collective
Photo by Amanda Huebner Photography
Art for All, All Year Long
Sue Vittner had always found inspiration in community galleries while traveling. It was not until she noticed a vacant storefront on Exchange Street that her vision for bringing this concept to Portland came to life. After negotiating a reduced rent with the landlord to use the space temporarily, the very first Maine Art Collective pop up opened in the winter of 2021.
What began as a two month exhibit quickly turned into a five. The success of the space, combined with the arrival of spring meant the search began for a new space to build on that momentum.
After securing a location at 157 Middle Street for ongoing summer pop ups, Sue, along with 15 other artists, went one step further and established a permanent year round home for Maine Art Collective at 9 Moulton Street, right in the heart of Portland’s Old Port. In addition to the two Portland locations, they also launched a second seasonal collective in Ogunquit’s Perkins Cove, expanding opportunities for Maine artists and bringing locally made art to more communities.
Keeping Art Accessible
Maine Art Collective operates with a mission: to help emerging Maine artists show and sell their work, and to make art more accessible so more people can enjoy it in their everyday lives. With one permanent gallery and two seasonal summer spaces, the collective currently supports around 50 Maine artists.
Unlike many galleries that require a fifty percent commission on sales, Maine Art Collective takes only a small portion, allowing artists to keep more than ninety percent of what they earn. This approach gives artists greater flexibility in pricing their work and helps make purchasing original art more attainable for the general public.
Beyond the gallery walls, Maine Art Collective’s impact on the community continues to grow. The group has partnered with Portland housing projects focused on low income housing, providing deeply discounted artwork to bring warmth and joy to shared spaces. One recent project featured 16 local artists and included 56 unique pieces installed throughout the building, transforming hallways into welcoming, art-filled spaces for residents.
Local Season Enjoyment
One of the most wonderful things about art is that it can be enjoyed anytime, including on cold, quiet Maine winter days. Sue encourages locals to get out and explore Portland’s unique offerings year round and to treat the local season like a staycation. Visit a gallery, discover a new artist, or simply spend time reading a good book at a cozy local coffee shop.
She says supporting Maine artists and small businesses can’t wait for summer. Local Season is the perfect time to slow down, explore what is right outside your door, and invest in the creative community that makes Maine feel like home.
