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Bar Harbor is one of the few places in the world where art, Among the exhibitions Amy organized was the release
history, and beauty converge in a special way. That makes it show for the award-winning book Art of the National Parks:
the ideal location for the Argosy Gallery, and Argosy II, which Historic Connections, Contemporary Interpretations. The
specialize in works by award-winning career artists who, not chapter on Acadia featured 10 artists, seven of whom are reg-
surprisingly, focus on the beauty of the Maine coast. ularly represented by the gallery. The Argosy also was a part-
“Bar Harbor has a long history of art being painted here,” ner in the park’s centennial celebration in 2016 and organized
said gallery owner Amy Sidman. She runs the gallery’s two three events for the occasion.
locations with the help of her husband, Charlie, who serves as Working in the art field was a natural choice for Amy,
photographer, packer, webmaster, and advisor. whose grandmother was a classically trained artist.
The Acadia region has a rich artistic tradition. For more “I used to paint with her,” said Amy, who studied studio
than 100 years, its magnificent scenery inspired dozens of well- art at Wellesley College and, along with her husband, became
known painters who were joined by wealthy patrons, Amy said. an art collector.
Although landscapes fell out of favor for a while, realistic paint- The couple moved to Maine 36 years ago after visiting reg-
ings depicting nature experienced a resurgence in the early ularly for the previous 20 years. Amy wanted a way to em-
1980s. ploy her passion and skills here in Maine.
In addition to representing Maine-based artists, Amy organ- Over the years, the gallery has held openings for grand ex-
ized nationally acclaimed exhibitions, successfully encouraging hibitions at the Bar Harbor Inn including elegant solo and
some of the country’s best artists to paint here. This, in turn, has two-person shows. Every few years, the gallery hosts an in-
helped the Acadia region return to its place of prominence for vitational show combining work by Argosy artists with their
artists, visitors, and collectors. equally accomplished peers from across the country. The
special event for 2019 is “Winners’ Circle,” opening August
31 with work by award-winning artists from previous shows
from 2006-2018.
Amy said Bar Harbor is both an art destination for serious
collectors, and a wonderful destination for all who produce
“Friendship Early Morning” serious art as well.
by T.M. Nicholas “A lot of people find the gallery by chance and then stay
Photo by Johanna S. Billings with the gallery,” she said. “The biggest thing is the quality
of the work.”

The gallery’s physical locations are 110 Main St. and 6 Mt.
A view of the gallery
Desert St., both in Bar Harbor. For more information, call
(207) 288-9226 or email info@argosygallery.com.
Photo by Johanna S. Billings

The Argosy II Gallery interior includes fine antique furnishings.
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