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.
Following a Garden’s Lines
WITH CAROL SHUTT
Carol Shutt, an artist and teacher who has lived and worked on Mount Desert Island for over 30 years, will be giving a workshop on Sunday, July 28, from 9 to 11 am at Thuya Garden in Northeast Harbor. Drawing will be the focus of this workshop, using blind contour techniques to draw still lifes, flowers and plants with looseness and fluidity. The creative process of contour drawing builds observation skills and helps one draw with more freshness and authenticity. This workshop is designed for adults of all artistic abilities and will take place in Thuya Lodge, the property’s historic summer home, and outdoors in the gardens as well.
Time: Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. -Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Lodge, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, 268 Peabody Dr, Mount Desert, ME, 04660
Ticket link: https://ticketscandy.com/e/following-a-gardens-lines-5610
Hudson to Harbor Cyanotype
WITH JENNIFER STEEN BOOHER
Cyanotype, also called sun-printing, is an early photographic process that produces blue and white prints. It is usually done in bright sunlight, but can also produce beautiful images on overcast days. In this 3-hour workshop, we will work on 5×7 watercolor paper that has been prepared for cyanotype. Each student will receive a pack of 12 sheets. We will provide all the tools and a variety of objects, including feathers, flowers, ferns, and lace to make prints.
Beyond the Literal – Painting the Spirit of the Land Course (8/3-8/6)
WITH DEENA BALL
Whether it is the light dancing across the trunks of trees, the colors of a sun kissed dahlia or just the wind moving the clouds across the sky these are the inspirations of a landscape painter. Learn to paint the essence of the landscape and express your personal vision.
This workshop will start by exploring the rich history of artists inspired by the land and gardens of Mount Desert Island. Students will move on to a set of exercises designed to help them zero in on the why of painting. There will be plenty of technical tips, discussions of color, value and composition as well but our main focus will be on creating landscape paintings that connect with others and to do this students need to be able to answer the why. Plein air painting will take place on the exclusive Land and Garden preserve properties. As we learn about both the gardens and the individuals who created and preserved them, we will share in their inspiration. Due to the nature of the painting locations, this will be a small group of painters so there will be plenty of individual attention plus group critiques.
To plant a garden and to create a painting are both leaps of faith. Learn to add a personal emotional tone and impact to your interpretation of the natural world.
NOTE: This course runs from August 3-6. Please take note of times and locations!
- August 3rd: 8:30-12:30 at BHHS
- August 4th: 3:30-7:30 at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden
- August 5th: 8:30-12:30 at TBD
- August 6th: 8:30-12:30 at TBD
- August 6th: 1:15-2:15 at BHHS
Ticket Link: https://ticketscandy.com/e/beyond-the-literal-painting-the-spirit-of-the-land-course-83-86-4426
QUICK FACTS ABOUT HUDSON TO HARBOR
- 26 local artists will have work for sale that reflects the surrounding area;
- After the reception event on Friday night, all works will be on the BHHS website and can be purchased there until the end of August;
- On Saturday, August 3, you can come and see the works in person from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. while the museum is open. If you buy an art raffle ticket, you get free admission to the museum!
- Raffle tickets will be on sale for $20 at the Friday night event and until 2 p.m. on Saturday. The winner will be drawn at 2 p.m. on Saturday and will receive a special art piece from the exhibition chosen by Carl Little;
- Artists receive 50% of the sale price with BHHS using the remainder as a donation for their programming;
MORE DETAILS:
Location: 127 West Street, Bar Harbor
Date and Time: Friday, August 2 at 5-7 p.m. and then Saturday August 3rd from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Tickets: Hudson to Harbor Tickets (Friday night reception)
Disclosure: Our daughter works for the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
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