Schoodic Institute

2025 Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Schoodic Institute
2025-08-21 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
The Maine Outdoor Film Festival returns to Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park on August 21, 2025 for an evening of outdoor adventure and conservation films under the stars!

The Maine Outdoor Film Festival is an outlet for Maine filmmakers’ creativity. By attending a Maine Outdoor Film Festival screening, thousands of Mainers get the chance to see specially curated outdoor adventure and conservation filmmaking in their area.
The film program will last approximately two hours, including a 10-minute intermission. Event begins at 7:00PM, and screening will start at 7:45PM. We recommend bringing a chair and/or blanket, warm layers, a headlamp, bug spray, and your favorite snacks!
Tickets are $15 per person, or you can take advantage of our Friends & Family pack – 4 tickets for $50! You may register up to 6 people – tickets after the 4-pack will be priced at the discounted rate of $12.50 per person.
Many thanks to our sponsor, Design Group Collaborative. Offering architectural and interior design services at all stages of your project, collaboration is at the heart of DGC’s practice. DGC takes a unique approach to participatory design with customers to achieve responsive project solutions that fit your needs. Learn more at dgcarchitects.com.
Scheduled Program:
*Film Program Subject To Change*
OCEAN PURSUITS | 11.67 minutes | by Casey Nava | Maine | Short synopsis: Surfing and creativity intersect in Maine in winter.
TENDING THE TIDES | 5.25 minutes | by Trixie Betz | Maine | Short synopsis: Maine hosts the nation’s first registered Seaweed and Shellfish Aquaculture Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship programs. Tending the Tides follows young participants as they build careers on the water. Through hands-on training and mentorship, these future sea farmers gain skills to thrive in Maine’s growing aquaculture industry – while helping sustain the state’s working waterfronts.
THE SNOWY OWLS OF LOGAN AIRPORT | 8.98 minutes | by Anna M Miller | United States | Short synopsis: Norman Smith, often referred to as the “Owl Man of Logan Airport” has been relocating snowy owls from Boston’s busiest runways for the last 43 years.
YOUR LAST BEST: A MEMPHIS ROX STORY | 16.32 minutes | by Glen Janssens | United States | Short synopsis: Hope comes to a South Memphis neighborhood that has struggled with basic resources. It takes the unlikely form of a climbing gym, where Jarmond Johnson and others experience different outcomes on the wall.
2 LEGS IS 2 EASY | 6.42 minutes | by Tamara Susa | United States | Short synopsis: Steve Karczewski was born with bone cancer in his leg. After a year of chemotherapy, his leg was amputated above the knee. Nowadays, Steve is seen on the slopes of Roaring Fork Valley. He was recruited by Challenge Aspen in 2008 to join their Paralympic racing team. There, coaches trained him to ski without a prosthetic, on one ski.
FOOTPRINTS ON KATMAI | 21.83 minutes | by Max Romey | United States | Short synopsis: Following his Grandmother’s footsteps to one of the most remote and bear-strewn beaches in Alaska, painter Max Romey discovers that an ocean of problems is closer to home than he could have imagined.
ABOUT DAMN TIME | 25.9 minutes | by Dana Romanoff | United States | Short synopsis: A boatman’s tale about the women who row the iconic dories in the Grand Canyon, their struggles to break into the current, and the passing of the oars to the next generation.

Welcome to the Milky Way
2025-08-21 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Less than half of the world’s people can see the Milky Way—our home galaxy—because of urban light pollution. But here in Acadia it shines brightly on clear, moonless nights. The collective glow of its 200+ billion stars arches from horizon to horizon throughout the summer.
Amateur astronomy Richard Luecke will explain our current understanding of the Milky Way, our place in it, and how you can view and appreciate its splendors. His image-enhanced, indoor presentation will acquaint you with some of our galaxy’s most stunning features.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursday, August 21st. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (8:30 – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
Banner Photo by Harley Grady

Stars Over Schoodic
2025-08-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
As darkness falls over the Schoodic Peninsula, the Milky Way arches across the sky from horizon to horizon. Late summer’s most prominent constellations are suspended within its pale glow.
Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will take you on an indoor, 50-minute image-enhanced journey along that river of starlight and introduce you to summer’s most prominent constellations. You’ll learn to identify Perseus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila, Zeus’s pet eagle. Your journey will end in the constellation Sagittarius, which marks the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy. It glistens with star clusters and glowing clouds of interstellar gas that even our naked eyes can perceive in the Schoodic’s dark sky.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Saturday, August 23rd. Weather permitting, we’ll venture outside for a green laser tour (8:30 – 10:00pm), where you’ll meet these sky wonders face-to-face – and likely see a few flashing meteors! A large astronomical telescope will provide stunning views of the ET Cluster, the Great Andromeda Galaxy, the Dumbbell Nebula and more. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!

Of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors... and Close Encounters
2025-08-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
There are more things in our solar system than the eight planets and their moons. Millions of small bodies of rock, ice and metal – asteroids, comets and meteors – orbit the Sun. Many are awesome to behold against the dark night sky, but some are potential threats to our planet. Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will offer an indoor, image-enhanced introduction to these celestial neighbors, how to observe them, and the risks they pose when their trajectories cross the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Join us in Moore Auditorium on the Schoodic Institute campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Monday, August 25th. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (approximately 8:30pm – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!
Space is limited! Please register below.
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
NASA Photo / Comet NEOWISE 2019

Welcome to the Milky Way II
2025-08-26 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for this second offering of Welcome to the Milky Way!
Less than half of the world’s people can see the Milky Way—our home galaxy—because of urban light pollution. But here in Acadia it shines brightly on clear, moonless nights. The collective glow of its 200+ billion stars arches from horizon to horizon throughout the summer.
Amateur astronomy Richard Luecke will explain our current understanding of the Milky Way, our place in it, and how you can view and appreciate its splendors. His image-enhanced, indoor presentation will acquaint you with some of our galaxy’s most stunning features.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Tuesday, August 26th. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (8:30 – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary.
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
Banner Photo by Harley Grady

Bird Carving with Wendell Gilley Museum
2025-08-27 09:30 - 15:30
See how it’s done! Join us at Schoodic Institute with special guest carver Jim Vekasi from the Wendell Gilley Museum for hands-on bird carving demonstrations outside the Welcome Center at Rockefeller Hall.
Visit with Jim and pick up a carving knife yourself – there is no charge to give it a try! Then visit the display of bird carvings from the Wendell Gilley Museum inside the Welcome Center.
Jim is a longtime carver with the Gilley, as well as being a retired Acadia National Park employee who was deeply involved during the establishment of Schoodic Institute 25 years ago.

Of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors… and Close Encounters II
2025-08-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for this second offering of ‘Of Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors… and Close Encounters’!
There are more things in our solar system than the eight planets and their moons. Millions of small bodies of rock, ice and metal – asteroids, comets and meteors – orbit the Sun. Many are awesome to behold against the dark night sky, but some are potential threats to our planet. Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will offer an indoor, image-enhanced introduction to these celestial neighbors, how to observe them, and the risks they pose when their trajectories cross the Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Join us in Moore Auditorium on the Schoodic Institute campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursday, August 28th. Weather permitting, attendees will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope (approximately 8:30pm – 10:00pm). Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary.
Space is limited! Please register below.
Cost: $15.00/person or $50.00/family of up to four
NASA Photo / Comet NEOWISE 2019

Stars Over Schoodic II
2025-08-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for this second offering of ‘Stars Over Schoodic’!
As darkness falls over the Schoodic Peninsula, the Milky Way arches across the sky from horizon to horizon. Late summer’s most prominent constellations are suspended within its pale glow.
Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will take you on an indoor, 50-minute image-enhanced journey along that river of starlight and introduce you to summer’s most prominent constellations. You’ll learn to identify Perseus, Cassiopeia and Andromeda, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila, Zeus’s pet eagle. Your journey will end in the constellation Sagittarius, which marks the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy. It glistens with star clusters and glowing clouds of interstellar gas that even our naked eyes can perceive in the Schoodic’s dark sky.
We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus from 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Friday, August 29th. Weather permitting, we’ll venture outside for a green laser tour (8:30 – 10:00pm), where you’ll meet these sky wonders face-to-face – and likely see a few flashing meteors! A large astronomical telescope will provide stunning views of the ET Cluster, the Great Andromeda Galaxy, the Dumbbell Nebula and more. Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary!

Northern Ecuador Bird Tour with Sabrewing Nature Tours
2025-09-06 - 2025-09-19
Ecuador has long been considered one of the best birding destinations in the world, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why! On this exciting tour, we’ll visit a wide variety of habitats as we travel from elevations of 14,000 feet at Papallacta Pass down to 1,000 feet at Silanche Reserve.
Our tour will start in the famous Mindo area at Septimo Paraiso. From here, we will explore the many birding hotspots of the region including Silanche Reserve, Refugio Paz de las Aves where Angel Paz will feed his famous antpittas, Tandayapa Pass, and more! Highlights during this part of the tour could include Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Giant, Moustached, and Yellow-bellied Antpittas, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Rufous-winged, Blue-whiskered, Scarlet-browed, Gray-and-gold, and Tawny-crested Tanagers, Oilbird, and many more.
Once we are finished in the Mindo area, we will move to the Eastern slope of the Andes on the other side of Quito. Here we will visit three lodges, Guango, Cabañas San Isidro, and Wildsumaco. These lodges are located at a variety of elevations which will mean each time we change lodges we will see a host of new species. Highlights on this part of the trip could include Sword-billed Hummingbird, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, San Isidro Owl, Golden-collared Toucanet, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, White-capped, Saffron-crowned, Golden-naped, Beryl-spangled, Blue-and-black, Magpie, White-lined, Silver-beaked, Blue-browed, Orange-eared, Spotted, Yellow-bellied and Golden-eared Tanagers, and much more.
All of these wonderful lodges provide great accommodations and amazing food. Previously on this itinerary, we have seen over 500 species including 60+ hummingbirds!
For more information and to register, please click here.

Don’t Fence Us In: New Ideas to Protect Acadia’s Forests feat. Chris Nadeau, Lauren Gibson, Jesse Wheeler, and Lauren Knierim
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Join us for our 2025 Summer Lecture Series!
Join us in person at Schoodic Institute or online via Zoom on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00pm for Don’t Fence Us In: New Ideas to Protect Acadia’s Forests, our Summer Lecture Series closing event featuring Chris Nadeau, Ph.D, Lauren Gibson, Jesse Wheeler, and Lauren Knierim.
From the tiniest seedling bursting through the moss covered floors, to the chorus of birds at the tops of the tallest trees, the forests of Acadia National Park are some of the healthiest in the eastern United States. But, their exceptional health is no accident. A team of forest managers, scientists, and local communities have worked diligently for decades to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species.
During this presentation, you’ll hear four encouraging stories of the ever-evolving strategies to manage invasive species in Acadia’s forests, and learn how you too can contribute to these efforts.
Chris Nadeau, Ph.D, has been a Senior Scientist at Schoodic Institute since 2022. He studies how ecosystems in Acadia National Park are changing and what we can do to ensure they continue to thrive.
Lauren Gibson is Friends of Acadia’s Wild Acadia Coordinator. She works closely with Acadia’s Resource Management Team and partners at Schoodic Institute to coordinate and communicate restoration projects happening in Acadia National Park.
Jesse Wheeler is Acadia National Park’s Vegetation Program Manager. He is responsible for stewarding plant resources at the park including native plant protection, invasive plant management, and forest pest monitoring.
Lauren Knierim is Acadia National Park’s 2025 Climate Community Volunteer Ambassador. Her work connects volunteers and community members to science happening in and around Acadia in the hopes of improving ecosystem resiliency in the face of climate change.

Our 2025 Summer Lecture Series events are free, thanks to support from our generous sponsor, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.

2025 Painting Retreat in Acadia with Philip Frey
2025-09-10 - 2025-09-14
© 2025 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 $1,175 is the base package while Residential for $1,740 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to Dinner on September 10, Bag Lunch on September 11 and 13; A social hour and Lobster Dinner on September 13; and Lunch on September 14. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 10–13; Dinner on September 11–13; and Breakfast September 11–14. **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 up-charge. 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 July 15, 2025 (please note, as of June 30, there is only ONE SPOT remaining!).
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
www.philipfrey.com

(POSTPONED) What Drives Early-Career Environmental Science Professionals?
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Program on Zoom
**UPDATE** Due to the current lapse in federal government appropriations, this virtual panel has been postponed. Stay tuned to Schoodic Institute’s website and social media for future updates.
Why do we do this work?

What are the driving forces behind the enthusiasm of early-career environmental science professionals? Join us virtually on Tuesday, October 7th from 12:00pm – 1:30pm for our 2025 Acadia National Park Science Symposium opening event! Gain insight from our early-career science professionals as they share their inspirations in a series of 10-minute lightning talks.
View Speaker List
Hosted by Schoodic Institute and the National Park Service, the Acadia National Park Science Symposium provides a forum to learn about science taking place in the region and to interact and build collaborations with scientists, educators, students, park staff, and others working in a range of fields. You can learn more about the science symposium here.
If you are interested in being a speaker and sharing your early-career insights during this presentation, please contact Abby Schill at aschill@schoodicinstitute.org.
This presentation will take place online via Zoom.

2025 Acadia National Park Science Symposium (POSTPONED)
2025-10-16 09:00 - 15:30 | Moore Auditorium, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, Acadia Drive, Winter Harbor, ME, 04693, United States
Unfortunately, due to the lapse in federal government appropriations, the 2025 Acadia National Park Science Symposium has been postponed.
Although the current government shutdown presents many challenges, especially with the absence of our valued partners at Acadia National Park, our work at Schoodic Institute continues. We remain committed to advancing science in and beyond Acadia, and we look forward to reconnecting soon.
Please stay tuned to our website and social media for future updates on the Science Symposium, as well as our science. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Join us on Thursday, October 16 from 9:00am – 3:30pm (in-person at Schoodic Institute or online via Zoom) for a full day of symposium events, including speaker sessions, networking opportunities, poster sessions, and lunch at Schooner Commons.
Hosted by Schoodic Institute and the National Park Service, the Acadia National Park Science Symposium provides a forum to learn about science taking place in the region and to interact and build collaborations with scientists, educators, students, park staff, and others working in a range of fields. The theme of this year’s symposium is wildlife.
You can learn more about the science symposium here.
View Speaker List
The symposium will take place in-person at Moore Auditorium on the Schoodic Institute campus (Winter Harbor, ME) and online via Zoom. This virtual option is open to speakers and attendees alike. Your registration for in-person attendance includes morning coffee and pastries, lunch, full access to our morning and afternoon poster sessions and speaker sessions, and more. Interested in staying overnight at Schoodic Institute? Scroll down to learn more, or add on your desired night stay via the registration form below.
Joining us in-person at Schoodic Institute and interested in saving on your commute or extending your stay in the Schoodic Section of Acadia National Park? Just add on your desired stay, plus any additional meals crafted by our excellent Food Service Team, via the registration form above. And, since your stay supports science in Acadia, you can feel good about booking with us. To learn more, reach out to us about our overnight accommodations, rates, and availability.

2026 Schoodic Winter Birding Adventure (RSVP!)
2026-01-17 08:00 - 12:00
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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Consent* I agree to the Image Use and Assumption of Risk statement.I understand that photographs and/or video may be captured at this event and I grant permission (on behalf of myself and as the legal parent or guardian of any minors in my care brought to this event) for use of these photographs and/or video for any legal use, including but not limited to publicity, copyright purposes, illustration, advertising, and web content.

I recognize that there is an element of risk in any adventure or activity associated with the outdoors. Therefore, I assume full responsibility for personal injury to myself and/or loss or damage to my personal property and expenses thereof as a result of my negligence or the negligence in said activity. I understand and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this agreement shall be effective and binding upon the parties during the entire period of participation of the said activity.Total

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
