Joseph A. Fiore Art Center

The mission of the Joseph A. Fiore Art Center at Rolling Acres Farm is to actively connect the creative worlds of farming and art making.

Historically, artists have celebrated the beauty and richness of the American landscape. Our purpose is to continue and evolve the dialogue between human and environment within the context of our current culture and time.

We do this through exhibitions and public educational events, through research and development of new farming practices and by hosting residencies for artists on a working farm.

The late Joseph Fiore was an artist and active environmentalist who, with his wife Mary, generously supported Maine Farmland Trust for many years.

Rolling Acres Farm is a beautiful, 130-acre farm property located on Damariscotta Lake in the town of Jefferson. The setting is remote and peaceful, but not far from the lively and picturesque village of Damariscotta. The property boasts a large, renovated farmhouse with a large connected barn.

• See photos of the Residency Center.
• See photos of work by Past Artist Residents.

In 2018 we will be offering the following residencies; please click on the residency of your choice to see more information about the residency and link to the online application.

Artist Residency for Visual Artists:

Six, month-long residencies: two in July, two in August and two in September, for visual artists. One of our six residency placements is for an out-of-state or international artist, and one for an indigenous Maine artist.

Writing Residency: 

One writing residency a minimum of four and maximum of six weeks long, during July through mid-August. Applicants in the following categories can apply -Poetry, Prose, Fiction/Non-fiction

Performing Arts Residency: 

One performing arts residency a minimum of four and maximum of six weeks long, during mid-August through end of September. Applicants in the following categories can apply -Performance/Dance, Storytelling, Songwriting.

Art & Agriculture- Seasonal Resident Gardener Position:

This is a part-time, 5-month seasonal position for someone with at least 2 years of organic gardening experience and an affinity with the arts. The resident gardener will be living on-site with the visual arts and writing residents, and is encouraged to use their time at the Fiore Art Center for their own creative pursuits if desired.  Opening in December: check https://www.mainefarmlandtrust.org/job-opportunities/ for the job description and how to apply. Note: Deadline for this position is Feb. 1st.

Applications are open to artists from Maine, living in Maine, or with a significant connection to Maine (with one exception: we have one place in the visual arts residency program for an out-of-state or international artist). Applications must be submitted online. Please refer to specific application guidelines above.

Artist Residency Applications open December 1st and close March 1st, applicants are notified by April 1st. Resident Gardener Applications are due February 1st.

Applications are free for Maine Farmland Trust members whose membership is current. To check the status of your membership, please email Kim Sanborn: kim@mainefarmlandtrust.org.

Applications are $15 for non-members (your application fee will be counted towards a Maine Farmland Trust membership.)

For general questions about the residency programs, please contact Co-Director of the Joseph A. Fiore Art Center Anna Witholt Abaldo: anna@mainefarmlandtrust.org.

Applications for 2018 open December 1st, 2017. 

Follow links above to learn more about each residency.

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