In August, several of us spent three days traveling along Maine’s midcoast using Maine Fiberarts’ newly-printed Fiber Arts Mini Tour. This is what we saw and did:
First, we toured the art collection of Steven Stern and Arlene Morris at their home in Brunswick. This includes contemporary art, fine craft, paintings, sculpture, antiques, textiles and folk art with an emphasis on art created by Maine artists. A treasure trove.
Up the coast, we took a picnic lunch to the studio of Katharine Cobey, and enjoyed an indigo dye demonstration at Beau Chemin Farm. Wayne Myers has been spinning, dyeing and felting into found garments and scarves. We toured his studio and learned about unique tools he has gathered or purchased to make the process of felting easier.
Next we went to Hedgerow in Tenant’s Harbor. Anne Cox has been hooking, painting and gardening and her shrubs, vegetables and grounds are remarkable. A gallery holds her hooked rugs and paintings, and a separate shop offers good foods, select books, and homemaking gifts and tools. I took home a passel of artichokes grown on the premises.
It was on to an amazing meal at Cafe Miranda in Rockland and then a cozy night at the fiber-friendly Newcastle Inn for a great feet-up! After breakfast of cornmeal waffles with blueberries, it was off to Hatchtown Farm. Pam Child has a shop in her historic home in a beautiful country setting. There, we found hand-dyed yarns, good books and luxurious sheepskins, which we all took home.
You can find these places on our online Fiber Art Mini Tour or pick up a printed map at Maine Fiberarts Center/Gallery in Topsham, participating sites, or Maine State Visitor Information Centers. There are many other great spots on the Mini Tour we encourage you to explore. Take the tour!
Great photos, Christine.
Thank you, Elizabeth! It’s a very fun outing filled with art and fibers.