Bar Harbor's popular annual Fine Arts Festival takes place from Aug. 12 to 14. Browse amazing art at the lovely Bar Harbor Inn where a wide variety of art is displayed and available for purchase by some of Maine's finest artisans. Premier artists display fine jewelry, original paintings, drawings and prints, hand-made clothing, sculpture and fine photography. In 2011, it will be the first year original reproductions are allowed on a limited basis. Reproductions will be clearly marked to separate them from hand-crafted originals. Alcohol is not allowed in the display area, but Bar Harbor Inn has a bar area, and you can relax at several bars and restaurants conveniently located directly across the street from the festival.
The Coastal Fine Arts Alliance of Maine (CFAAM) is a nonprofit organization that has been hosting local artists since 1999. The show is held for three consecutive weekends, beginning the last weekend in July and ending after the second weekend in August. Two-dimensional works including paintings, woodcarvings and mixed media are showcased at 35 booths, representing a wide range of styles from early realism to modern abstraction.
Head down to Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island the last weekend in July and the second weekend in August to browse spectacular art in a picturesque setting. The Mid-Coast town of Camden hosts the show in two locations the second weekend in August, at Harbor Park and the Bok Amphitheater. All profits from the entire festival are dispersed to the show's hosting communities, making the show not only an artistic venture but a philanthropic one as well.
Portland television station WCSH6 has hosted its downtown sidewalk art show for 45 years. This one-day festival showcases hundreds of artists in one of the largest outdoor art shows on the East Coast. Stroll down the sidewalk to browse the wonderful offerings of local and national artists in a unique, traffic-free environment. With nearly 300 artists and photographers offering their work, you are sure to find something that speaks to your soul.
South Portland hosts an annual, one-day Art in the Park Show during mid-August where up to 185 artists display original art and photography in a wide variety of styles and prices. Satisfy your appetite at one of the terrific food vendors, listen to quality live music and visit the student art tent, which showcases work from talented South Portland students. Children can spend time at Kids in the Park, creating their own artwork under adult supervision and enjoying free face painting. This wonderfully diverse art show is sure to be a hit with the whole family.