2024 Open Farm & Studio Day
Open Farm and Studio Day – Sunday, July 28, 2024
Open Farm & Studio Day is a celebration of Bowdoinham’s strong farming and arts community. Follow the red signs throughout town to visit dozens of local farms and art studios showcasing the best of Bowdoinham!
9am—5 pm: Explore farms and studios for live demonstrations, farm tours, fresh food, shop farm stores, pop-up markets, and more!
4 pm—7pm: Head to Mailly Waterfront Park (1 Main St.) for a Food Pantry benefit BBQ, serving up fresh, locally grown foods, and live music by Rough Sawn.
Download the event guide for a map and more details on exploring our farms and artists in Bowdoinham on Beautiful Merrymeeting Bay!
Pdf: Open Farm Day Guide
Self-Guided Bike and Walking Tours
Walking take a 1.0 mile walking tour! Park at the Bowdoinham Community School and make your way to 18 Ridge Rd to visit Morphee Creations to tour the garden, see her prints as well as Delilah’s pottery on display. Continue on to Rt. 24 to the intersect with Main Street to Cathance River Gallery to see their collection. Head to the waterfront and stop by Merrymeeting Arts Center to tour the gallery and visit the MAC Pottery studio at 6 Main St to create a block print which will be incorporated into a community quilt fundraiser. Head back up north on Rt. 24 taking your first left on to Ridge Rd and take a left onto Cemetery Rd stopping at 6 Cemetery Rd to visit Inside Firewood to admire unique carved wood items, including bowls, utensils, and sculpture (which opens at 1:00 pm), then continue back to the school. Route can be found here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Juma3XPSg8zuMcu9
Bicycling around the rural roads in Bowdoinham is a lovely way to explore farms and art on Open Farm Day! Stopping at farm stands also gives you the chance to enjoy a cucumber or a carrot for a great mid-ride snack. Invent your own route to visit your favorite farms and art or check out some recommended routes developed by the Merrymeeting Trailblazers. The route options range from easier, more family friendly routes to routes better suited to experienced riders. A webpage with detailed route descriptions (cue sheets) for a few routes, ranging in length from 5 to 30+ miles, can be found here: www.merrymeetingtrail.org/?page_id=489
Participants & Venues
1. CAMPO di FIORI 212 Fisher Road www.mainegardendesign.com
Campo di Fiori is a specialty nursery growing hardy wildflowers, ornamental grasses, and select cultivars. In creating the plant palette particular attention has been given to plants that are hardy, robust-growing, and low- maintenance while embodying a more natural or wild aesthetic. The majority of these plants have a long season of interest, and for that reason are particularly useful in keeping our gardens attractive from spring into winter. As both gardener and nature lover, Andrew’s goal is to inspire and encourage imagination in the art of garden creating with respect to the dynamic beauty and emotion of nature.
9am - 3pm. Explore Andrew’s naturalistic gardens and nursery. Lynn Sternfels from Starrock Designs will join Andrew at the nursery with her unique botanically printed scarves.
2. JUST PLAYING WITH GLASS www.bowdoinhamartisans.com/amy-wagner
Just Playing With Glass is a fused glass and found glass creative outlet. Creating beautiful items for every day and special occasion use. As a continuous learner Amy is always learning and experimenting with materials and techniques hence the name "Just Playing With Glass." Her work will be featured for sale at Apple Creek Farm from 10am – 2pm.
3. DANDELION SPRING FARM 961 Ridge Road www.dandelionspringfarm.com
Dandelion Spring Farm is a certified organic mixed vegetable & herb farm and has been in production in the midcoast for 18 years. Beth Schiller joined the Bowdoinham community in 2018 when she purchased 85 acres of land, with beautiful ridges and soil of statewide agricultural importance. After purchasing the property, she sold an easement to Maine Farmland Trust, to forever protect the land. Tender salad greens and aromatic herbs are the baseline of Dandelion Spring, but they also have squash, fairytale, and other roots and greens. Their products can be found at the farmers’ market Portland, and at many natural food stores and restaurants along Maine’s coast.
10am – 3pm Visit the farm based art exhibit in The Hive, the new timber frame barn, relax with a short chair massage. Enjoy local food, art, and music. For more info and to sign up for a massage, visit the DSF website.
4. APPLE CREEK FARM 538 Millay Road www.applecreekfarm.me
Apple Creek Farm is an organic and pasture-based livestock farm. Established in 1985 by the Galle family, the farm is operated by Abby Sadauckas and Jake Galle. The farmers raise chickens, cows, goats, and sheep and produce eggs, a variety of meats, sheepskins, and specialty products. Originally wooded, the farm now includes numerous pastures and areas for silvopasture. The farm will be open from 10am – 2pm.
Join farmer-led tours offered at 10:15, 11:15, and 12:15 or take a self-guided tour through the farm’s shady, wooded trails. You’ll get to meet the animals, enjoy activities for children, browse in the farm store, and meet several local artists and artisans including Janna DeWan Pottery, Just Playing With Glass and Zachary Fields Ceramics. There will also be wheel-throwing demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to play with clay.
Please dress for walking over uneven ground and don’t forget your cooler. Please leave dogs at home.
5. PEARY’S GARDEN 213 Maine Street
Peary’s Garden is a community garden space started in 2017 by Brian Smith and Lily Montgomery. In 2016, Brian presented the idea of continuing the space as a community garden to the BCDI “Community Conversations” gathering, where it was enthusiastically received and supported. Peary's Garden is located on Brian and Luana Smith’s property off of Sadie Lane by the East of Eden Farmstand. Our garden has 23 plots available each season for community members to rent, a garden shed full of donated tools, compost, seeds, water, and garden advice.
“Forno del Geometra”, a wood fired pizza oven built by Brian and a few garden members during the pandemic, is also available for gardeners to use. We will have the oven fired up and ready to sell pizza to Open Farm Day guests so please come hungry! The recent addition of “Peary’s Privy” will add comfort and convenience for gardeners and visitors. Peary’s is a family-friendly space and welcomes gardeners of all ages and abilities. Open 11am – 2pm.
6. THE BOWDOINHAM FOOD PANTRY 9 Main Street www.bowdoinhamfoodpantry.org
Our mission at The Bowdoinham Food Pantry is to provide healthy and sustaining food, personal care products, and other needed household items to the people of Bowdoinham and Bowdoin in a compassionate, respectful manner. Our vision is everyone in our community has the information, resources, and sustenance they need to be food secure. Mutual aid is paramount to our philosophy. We invite all to enjoy the Pantry's Little Free Garden this year during Open Farm Day - the gardens were planned, constructed, planted, and tended by members of our community!
1pm - 6pm take a self guided tour of our raised bed gardens, pop into the Pantry to check out what we do, and bid on Silent Auction Items. Bidding will close at 6pm.
7. STONECIPHER FARM 1186 River Road www.stonecipherfarm.com
Stonecipher Farm is a small organic mixed vegetable and fruit farm. We will be highlighting the "no-till" aspect of our cultivation practices, focusing on deep compost, and mulches. We employ biodiverse planting practices, for optimal plant health and to benefit native bugs, birds, and amphibians. We will tour our fields and greenhouses. We grow a lot of flowers, and things should be in full bloom for Open Farm Day! Tours from Noon - 3:30pm. We are located across the street from Mortimer LaPointe Woodworking. Also, our farm store is open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm.
8. CATHANCE RIVER GALLERY 18 Main Street www.cathancerivergallery.com
Fine art, wood carvings, and furniture. The gallery is a cooperative of four Bowdoinham artists (Bill Stanton, Jane Page Conway, Mark Donovan, Wayne Sanford) and four Brunswick artists (Robert Bryan, Bill Robitzek, Judith Schuppien, Dan Warren). Plus special guest artists. Welcoming visitors from 10am - 4pm.
9. Blue Bell Farm 767 Carding Machine Road www.bluebellfarmmaine.com
David Asmussen & Meredith Eilers joined the Bowdoinham farming community in 2013. Dave hails from upstate New York and first put a shovel in the soil in fourth grade when he dug up the back yard to plant radishes. He met his partner Meredith when she was working at the college’s organic farm. After adventures far and wide through several states, homesteads and farmland, they were excited to put down roots in Bowdoinham where they grow diverse vegetables, herbs and berries. Dave is a graduate of MOFGA's Journey-person program and is proud to be farming on land with an agricultural conservation easement through the Maine Farmland Trust. You can find their produce at the Bowdoinham Farmers Market, and local restaurants.
Tour the hoop houses and perennial fruit plantings from 9am – Noon.
10. Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans www.bowdoinhamartisans.com
The Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans is a group of fine artists working to bring their creative visions to life, while sharing an appreciation for their local community. The Guild strives to make high quality, well-made artistic goods accessible on a community level. The Guild of Artisans works to nurture artists by creating a supportive network and providing access to exhibitions and educational opportunities.
11. Morphee Creations 18 Ridge Road http://www.morpheecreations.com/
Manon Whittlesey, of Morphee Creations, will be opening her home for viewing paintings and prints, and making plein air painting available in the gardens. This location will also host Sara Cox of Delilah pottery and her gorgeous selections of porcelain pieces. Stop by, see some art, and paint! Looking forward to welcoming you from 10am – 3pm.
12. MERRYMEETING ARTS CENTER 9 Main Street, Cathance Place www.merrymeetingartscenter.org
Since opening in September 2007, Merrymeeting Arts Center (MAC) has been an active member of the Bowdoinham community. Inspired and guided by the eclectic spirit of Bryce Muir, MAC encourages art, education and community celebrating the cultural heritage and natural environment of Merrymeeting Bay. Bryce viewed “the arts” in the broadest sense and “artists” as all those who make art in any genre. Our gallery and studio offer opportunities for our community and beyond to express themselves as teachers, makers, and supporters of the arts. The Gallery will be featuring the works of local artist William Stanton. The Gallery will be open 11am - 4pm and is free to the public.
13. ARTS STUDIO 6 Main Street www.merrymeetingartscenter.org
Merrymeeting Arts Center will hold a drop in Block Printing Workshop where you can make a quilt square to become part of a community quilt to be auctioned off at a later date. These events are free to the public but donations are always welcome to help us further provide Art for Everyone. The Studio will be open from 11am - 4pm.
14. WATERSONG MUSIC 9 Main Street, Cathance Place
Earl Bigelow created Watersong Music for the sharing and teaching of all the facets of music. Recording, performance and teaching music has become Earl’s happy occupation, and in his studio he is able to do all three. Come check out Earl’s music studio and see where the music happens from 10am – 2pm.
15. ENTERPRISE FARM 819 White Road www.facebook.com/Enterprise-Farm-Greenhouse-Farm-Stand
Jesse Harriman started Enterprise Farm in 1972 with roots in poultry farming, eventually, as the industry changed, he shifted to vegetable and flower farming. The farm now aims to provide customers with great plants so that they may become successful "farmers" themselves. A wide selection of annual and perennial flowers and healthy vegetable plants are available as well as a wealth of gardening knowledge. In addition, the farm starts hundreds of thousands of plants for truck farmers around Maine. Recently, the farm has begun to sell fresh, locally grown vegetables to our customers! Welcoming customers and visitors 9am - 4pm.
16. HARVEST TIDE ORGANICS 304 Pork Point Road www.harvesttideorganics.com
Please come join us on the farm for a look at our farm! Visit the farm at 304 Pork Point (park along the road by the white welcome tent) for tours and explanations of our high tunnel production and our flower U-pick. Tours start on the hour and half hour from 10am - 1:30pm.
17. Starrock Designs www.bowdoinhamartisans.com/lynn-sternfels
Lynn Sternfels from Starrock Designs will be at Campo di Fiori nursery from 9am – 3pm with her unique botanically printed scarves.
18. LAPOPINTE ANTIQUES & RESTORATION 1191 River Road www.mortimerlapoint.com
Pearl and Mort of LaPointe Antiques & Restoration have 30 years’ experience restoring fine furniture to its original charm and dignity. They protect and preserve heirlooms and create reclaimed wood furniture. You will see a variety of active antique restorations and custom woodworking on display. Tours being given of the workshop and restored historic Chamberlain carriage house. Antiques and hand-built furniture for sale. Open 9am – 5pm.
19. INSIDE FIREWOOD 6 Cemetery Road www.bowdoinhamartisans.com/wayne-sanford
Wayne Sanford creates unique carved wood items, including bowls, utensils, and sculpture. His work is organic, lacking planes, symmetry, dimensions, and right angles. Meet him at Cathance River Gallery from 10am – 1pm or at his studio at 6 Cemetery Road from 1pm - 5pm.
20. EAST OF EDEN FLOWER FARM 2 Sadie Lane www.eastofedenflowefarm.com
Join Julia and David Baecher of East of Eden for a walk through the flowers at their small hillside farm where they specialize in tulips, peonies and dahlias. Please park at the East of Eden Farmstand. Open from 10am – 2pm.
21. BOWDOINHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 Center Point Road, Jellerson School & Merrymeeting Bay Museum www.bowdoinhamhistoricalsociety.org
Founded in 1970 by residents hoping to discover, study, preserve, and make available records and items from Bowdoinham’s past, the Bowdoinham Historical Society (BHS) has played an important role in Town activities since that time. BHS owns 3 properties: The Meeting House and Carriage Shed at 7 Browns Point Rd., the Jellerson School at 2 Center Point Rd., Bowdoinham’s last 1-room school where we host classes in a living history 1910-11 school day, and Merrymeeting Hall at 27 Main St., open for BHS, Town, public, and private events and activities. Our office and research room is located on the lower level of Merrymeeting Hall.
Visit Bowdoinham’s last one room schoolhouse and Merrymeeting Bay Museum from 9am – 2pm.
22. JANE PAGE-CONWAY FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY www.janepageconway.com
Jane has been making and altering photographic images for over 30 years. She’s an inquisitive experimenter, exploring both traditional wet darkroom & alternative photographic processes such as: infrared film, Polaroid manipulations and emulsion transfers, hand-tinting black and white photographs, cyanotype & kallitype. Jane has learned to restructure her thinking in the digital age, blending the old with the new. And now she practices the ancient painting medium of encaustic wax with her photography. Her art is on display at the Cathance River Gallery.
23. Zachary Fields Ceramics Instagram: zbfceramics
Zachary Fields is a life-long educator and potter specializing in wheel-thrown and raku-fired pottery. He's been creating pots for 30 years and fell in love with the raku firing process for its rich history and hands-on approach where he tends to the kiln, removing molten-hot pots and placing them into combustibles where they burst into flames. The resulting surface decoration is an interplay of crackling, metallic luster, color variation, smoke patterns, and crazing. Zachary is also the studio manager of Merrymeeting Arts Center in Bowdoinham.
24. JANNA DEWAN POTTERY www.jannadewan.com
Janna has been working in clay since 2000 when she took a ceramics class in high school. Although she got a degree in bassoon performance from Syracuse University, she spent most of her free time in the clay studio. Janna’s work is handmade in her home studio and fired in an electric kiln (and the occasional wood fired kiln!). She uses a black stoneware clay layered with slip, underglaze, and monoprinted drawings.
Barbeque at Mailly Waterfront Park
Come enjoy a fitting close to the day by the beautiful Cathance River enjoying BBQ prepared by the Bowdoinham Food Pantry and music provided by Rough Sawn at the gazebo.
Music from 4pm – 7pm
BBQ from 4pm - 6pm Cost: Donation
*Menu subject to change: BBQ Chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and desert.