Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Community Art Hub in Deer Isle
Founded in 1973, the Deer Isle Artists Association (DIAA) has served as a vital force in promoting visual arts through exhibitions, education, and community engagement. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are driven by a mission to advance the arts while fostering cultural enrichment across coastal Maine. Our all-volunteer, member-run structure enables us to curate dynamic exhibitions, host educational programs, and support emerging artists through initiatives like our annual student scholarship fund. With over 100 members representing diverse disciplinesincluding painters, sculptors, jewelers, and photographerswe provide a platform for artistic expression that transcends seasonal boundaries.Our gallery, located at 15 Main Street in Deer Isle, operates year-round with rotating exhibits and winter artist residencies that keep our community connected to the arts. Through collaborative partnerships and outreach efforts like our ART matters lecture series, we continue to build on five decades of legacy while embracing innovation in how we engage audiences. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in our physical spacedesigned without barriers to welcome all visitorsand in our programming that prioritizes inclusivity. By bridging traditional practices with contemporary approaches, we ensure the visual arts remain a vibrant part of life in this region.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Artist Residencies
Educational Outreach
Membership Programs
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have promoted visual arts in Maine for over 50 years
- Our member-run organization includes 100+ professional artists
- We offer year-round exhibitions and educational programming
- Our accessible gallery space welcomes all visitors
- We support emerging artists through annual scholarship awards
What people say
Artistic juices flowing
Cake is really really good
Wonderful archival history
Robust exhibition schedule
Warm and well-lit space
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase works from 100+ member artists across diverse media including painting, sculpture, and photography. Exhibits change every two weeks during summer months with special themed shows like the annual 12x12 fundraising event. All exhibitions emphasize accessibility and community engagement through curated displays and artist receptions.
Artist Residencies
Winter artist-in-residence program provides studio space for members to develop new work while engaging the community. Residents maintain open hours for public interaction and may host workshops or demonstrations. This initiative supports artistic exploration while maintaining winter-season cultural activity on Deer Isle.
Educational Outreach
We offer lectures, drawing sessions, and panel discussions through initiatives like ART matters and Let's Draw. Our educational programming connects artists and community members through skill-sharing and dialogue. Historical archives document decades of artistic development in the region.
Membership Programs
Membership includes professional artists across disciplines who participate in exhibitions and gallery operations. Benefits include exhibition opportunities, community connections, and involvement in shaping the organization's direction through volunteer leadership roles.
Community Events
Seasonal openings, artist talks, and special events foster community connections through shared artistic experiences. Our programming includes collaborations with local organizations and educational institutions to broaden access to visual arts appreciation.
People
David McBeth
President
Serving since 2009, David transitioned from first-time exhibitor to board leadership while overseeing the gallery's relocation to Main Street. His ceramic work has been featured in multiple exhibitions.
Ethan Cohen
Vice-President
Exhibiting artist and board member Ethan brings decades of local arts experience to his leadership role, supporting the organization's educational and exhibition programs.
Jeri Gillin
Secretary
Jeri manages organizational records with commitment to preserving the association's historical legacy while supporting contemporary programming initiatives.
Judith Felch
Treasurer
Judith oversees financial operations with focus on maintaining the organization's sustainability while supporting community-focused programming.
Susan Finsen
Membership Chair
Susan leads membership development efforts, connecting artists with exhibition opportunities and volunteer roles within the association's member-driven structure.
Questions
What does DIAA do?
We promote visual arts through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives at our Deer Isle gallery.
How can I join DIAA?
Download membership forms from our website or contact the Membership Chair for details about becoming a participating artist member.
When are exhibitions open?
Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 11am-3pm May-October, with winter window displays and artist residencies available year-round.
Do you offer artist opportunities?
Our residency program and rotating exhibitions provide multiple avenues for artists to showcase work and engage with the community.
How do you support local artists?
We award annual scholarships to student artists, provide exhibition space, and create networking opportunities through our member-driven programs.
What makes DIAA unique?
As Maine's oldest continuously operating artist-run gallery, we combine historical legacy with innovative programming in a barrier-free space.
Reviews (1)
Tim Cobb
Aug 21, 2021
Report
Lovely place, local artists. They rotate their showings so its nice to come back and see what was new.