May 12 – July 12, 2026

Ellsworth As Muse

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION:
Wednesday, May 20, 5–7pm AND Wednesday, June 24, 5–7pm

GALLERY TALK: TBA

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Siri Beckman, Philip Barter (1939–2024), Jeffery Becton, Judy Belasco, Ard Berge, Caroll Thayer Berry (1886–1978), Tom Curry, Heidi Daub, Gregory Dunham, Rick Fox, Philip Frey, Kate Hanlon, Richard Keen, Joseph Keiffer, Rosie Moore, Alison Rector, Katherine Wilkes

This summer marks Courthouse Gallery’s 20th Anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, we are excited to host two special group exhibitions that will unfold over our 2026 season, beginning with Ellsworth as Muse and continuing with Rooted in Art. Since the Gallery’s inception, artists, collectors, writers, and poets have worked with us in partnership to nurture art in our region. These ongoing collaborations helped establish Courthouse Gallery as a place where art is seen, shaped and valued—one that has grown into a living art community sustained by collaboration, commitment, and shared purpose.

Ellsworth As Muse (June 15–July 12, 2026) pays homage to the City of Ellsworth where the Gallery resides in the historic courthouse and registry of deeds. Often seen as one dimensional, Ellsworth is more complex than commonly perceived. The City holds layers of history, activity, and character that extend beyond a single narrative. Artists have been encouraged to look past familiar associations and to consider the layers, contradictions, and perceptions of Ellsworth. When seen through an artist’s eye, this exhibition will offer new perspectives that will surprise and engage both local audiences and collectors. There will be an exhibition catalog and a Gallery Talk (TBA).

Rooted In Art (September 14–October 30, 2026) recognizes the vast network of coastal communities surrounding Courthouse Gallery and the deep connection to place shared by the artists and individuals who form our extended artistic family. Defined by water and atmospheric weather, this stretch of the Maine coast is known for its quiet, enduring beauty—a region that has attracted artists for nearly 200 years—ironically the same decade the our historic buildings were built.

Artists have been invited to create a painting, whether it be land-, sea-, or cityscape, or conceptual in approach, focused on a specific community within our region. Likewise, poets are invited to write a poem. Each artist and poet are matched with a specific town or village, yet asked to work independently to develop a personal interpretation of that place. There will be an exhibition catalog and a Poetry Reading (TBA).