Kennebunk’s Maine Art Hill has expanded to Ogunquit with a gallery at 307 Main St. in a leased space that the owners plan to purchase this fall.
John Spain and Trisha Winslow own the business, which operates five galleries in Kennebunk on three adjacent properties.
Spain launched Maine Art Paintings and Sculpture more than three decades ago, transforming what began as a small print and frame shop into a collection of galleries spanning multiple buildings in Kennebunk and now in Ogunquit.
While the Kennebunk galleries remain at the heart of the business, “opening in Ogunquit was a natural next step, allowing us to bring our collection to another vibrant arts community,” Winslow told Mainebiz.
Together, Maine Art Hill employs 15 people across all its locations. Two are on-site in Ogunquit every day, supported by a gallery director, an assistant gallery manager, a marketing manager and a full-time maintenance person who works at all locations.
Winslow said the response in Ogunquit has exceeded expectations.
“We’ve welcomed countless new visitors and collectors and have also felt embraced by the local community, Winslow said. “The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Ogunquit Playhouse have all extended an incredibly warm welcome, making us feel like part of the community from the very beginning.”
‘New layer’
Angela Blouin, executive director of the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, told Mainebiz that the gallery is a welcome addition to the town.
“Maine Art Hill Ogunquit’s spacious, open gallery adds a new layer to Ogunquit’s art culture by providing an immersive way to engage with curated works from varying perspectives,” she said.
“Featuring regionally and nationally recognized artists with ties to Maine, the collection offers visitors even more to explore downtown while complementing Ogunquit’s vibrant art culture and locally owned heritage,” she added.
