2026 Schoodic Winter Birding Adventure (RSVP!)
2026-01-17 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | ME
Discover winter birds on the Schoodic Peninsula!

Embrace the magic of winter on the Schoodic Peninsula with a free, self-guided birding adventure open to all ages and experience-levels on Saturday, January 17th from 8am to 12pm.
This event is a great way to explore Acadia’s winter wildlife at your own pace. Meet us at Schoodic Institute’s Gatehouse for warm drinks, snacks, and fun activities before walking the loop road to the point.

Meet Gillian, Abby, and Julia—our 2025 Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellows
Borrow binoculars and explore bird ID guides
Play games to learn more about birding

Then, set out to discover the region’s winter birds at your own pace! Located at the entrance to Schoodic Institute’s campus in Winter Harbor, ME, swing by the gatehouse first to meet the team, enjoy refreshments and games, then explore the area.

All ages and experience levels are welcome—beginners encouraged!

Please note: heated and accessible bathrooms will be located at the gatehouse. Parking on the Schoodic Institute campus can be found near Rockefeller Hall and at the North Lot (there will be directional signs to help point you in the right direction). If you have mobility issues, there will be parking spots available near the gatehouse.

Questions? Please reach out to Gillian Audier at gaudier@schoodicinstitute.com.

2026 Schoodic Winter Birding Adventure
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2026 Painting Retreat in Acadia with Philip Frey
2026-09-02 - 2026-09-06 | Schoodic Institute, 9 Atterbury Circle, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
© Ravens Nest Afternoon Light by Philip Frey
We are pleased to offer a plein air painting retreat designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. This retreat will provide an opportunity for participants to hone their skills, gain deeper knowledge of materials, and develop confidence in their creative abilities.
The retreat will be held in the picturesque landscapes of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. Under the guidance of artist Philip Frey, students will learn to capture the essence of the landscape, compose compelling images, and comprehend the interplay of color and light.
Each day will start early with an on-site painting session, followed by an early afternoon demonstration and critique. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting, fostering social interaction among fellow artists.
Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.
To Register: Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. A brief application and image submission will be required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. Registration deadline is May 1, 2026.
Click Here to Apply
Please note, a National Park pass valid for Acadia National Park is required.
About the Instructor
In the past twenty years, Philip Frey has developed into one of Maine’s finest landscape painters. Known as a brilliant colorist, Frey paints Maine’s harbors and islands with a bold and sensitive palette that captures the light and moods of his home state, from the streets of Ellsworth and Portland to Monhegan and Acadia National Park.
Student Testimonials
“My four week private mentorship with Philip went beyond my expectations. Philip’s style of teaching and one-on-one zoom sessions were efficient and extremely helpful. The exercises and lessons were thought provoking and challenging, and his feedback was clear and constructive, offering tools and resources I could immediately put to use. New to online learning, I found it delightful – I could immediately integrate it into my daily practice in my own studio. His friendly demeanor made for an absolutely wonderful experience. I look forward to more workshops with Philip in the future.” – Sally Dean, Marshfield MA
“Philip Frey is not only an inspiringly dynamic artist but a patient and insightful teacher. His workshop transformed the way I look at the world and how I now approach the ever daunting blank canvas….which is now with confident intention! Having access to and learning from an artist of his caliber is truly a gift.”– Queenette Santiago, Petaluma, CA

“I have taken many YouTube workshops, two workshops abroad, and several online, and Frey is my favorite teacher—so clear, so many helpful techniques to apply, and so kind and insightful in his critique. This sets the stage always for a wonderful experience for everyone.” – Patricia R., NH
“Everyone has a different approach to a painting project—its composition, shapes and forms, the colors, and, of course, the process of applying paint. I think of it as a puzzle to solve, and Frey taught me how to break down the process into solvable pieces. The discussion after painting was invaluable. I’ve been in reviews where an instructor would say, ‘Did you think about this…,’ or ‘Perhaps a little more color here…’ However, Frey’s approach using Procreate to ‘adjust’ the composition, color, or depth of the image is amazing and powerful. Great tool, and a great way to learn more about the process of thinking about painting composition and technique.” – Bruce H., Melrose MA

www.philipfrey.com
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
Photo courtesy of Philip Frey
