10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Mid Coast Maine That You Shouldn't Miss

A new photography gallery featuring Maine artists brings new life to a 200 year old building in South Thomaston, Maine. Mike Dumont always wanted to open a gallery of many photographers and genres of work. Maine photographers Kevin White, Herman Meisner and Sandy Dolan fill the space in addition to Dumont's works. Kevin White’s striking, larger-than-life canvas images of are realistic enough to make one pause. Herman Meisner’s black and white emulsion prints bring the time tested, traditional photo processes back with a twist; his images are printed on clamshells or glass, in an effect resembling scrimshaw. Sandy Dolan’s award winning marine images make one long for a misty morning on the water. Her work has garnered awards from The Maine Press Association, and is often found in Cruising World and Soundings. The whimsical 3D sculptures of Greg Pinto are also here. Pinto’s adventurous sculptures reflect his fascination for creating with found objects. He creates schools of bizarre fish from thumbtacks, discarded silver plate, and elegant gold leaf. Many of his clever sculptures light up, like the angler fish with the bait to attract prey. The fun is two-way in Pinto’s work; a glance at the fork-tine teeth and thumbtack scales starts the mental wheels to piece out the rest of the materials used in the sculpture. In addition Keag River Gallery also offers custom photo editing, printing and ARTiPLAQ mounting services. Dumont’s vision also includes a plan to offer workshops, host events on the substantial deck and grounds. Keag River Gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm. Open June through October.

Featuring maritime paintings and landscape scenes by award-winning artist Brad Betts. Betts has been an artist for over 20 years and is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery's acclaimed "International Marine Art Exhibition" for the past 7 years. In 2006, he received the "Maritime Gallery Yachting Award" at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of "Four Distinguished Artists" at the Mystic Seaport Gallery. In 2011, Brad's maritime painting "Cup Challenge" was selected by internationally renowned author Ferenc Mate for the cover of "Sea of Lost Dreams", the second book in the Dugger / Nello series. Brad is currently working on a book cover for Mate's first book in the series, "Ghost Sea". His inspiration to paint all things nautical is an outgrowth of his youth, which he spent around the Gulf coast waters, deep sea fishing and sailing. Today, his paintings reflect his life-long appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine's inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine-blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas. In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him. Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain his natural, inspired style. He seeks this through outdoor painting, "When you paint outside, the light and conditions change constantly. This forces you to simplify your decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within."

This downtown main street has restaurants, cafes, boutiques and galleries.

Bridge connecting Bailey and Orrs islands.

1807 mansion maintained by Historic New England; extraordinary furnishings and design details.