Staff Profile: Anna Witholt Abaldo

Anna has been with MFT for a full decade now, joining the small team in 2009 to start the MFT Gallery in Belfast. In 2016, her work evolved to encompass the Fiore Art Center at Rolling Acres Farm, where she now co-directs the artist residency program.

Anna grew up on a small diversified farm in the Netherlands where her family raised sheep, horses, chickens, and raspberries, instilling in her a deep love of rural life. She lived in Aruba and traveled in Asia, exploring the intersection of art, nature, and the healing arts as a writer and an artist. Now in Maine, when she’s not facilitating activities for her two active teenagers, you can find her walking, hiking, paddling, dancing, visiting local art walks, or enjoying a sunny moment in her garden.

Q: Why do you work for MFT?

A: I want to do work that matters in the greater scheme of things. I think a lot about the state of our planet, and as one very small human I feel like the best difference I can make is working at a statewide level for an organization that has both a bold vision, and a very practical approach to realizing that vision.

I firmly believe that preserving farmland and supporting farmers will move us closer towards growing our own food in Maine. I see the role of celebrating agriculture through art as a part of our outreach and engagement work, and something that builds our storytelling capacity. Artists have a wonderful way of adding their voice to the importance of farmland preservation and environmental stewardship, engaging with similar themes and helping to draw the community into this conversation and spread awareness about the need for this work.

Q: What are some upcoming projects you’re excited about?

A: I am very excited about this year’s unveiling of the new Fiore Art Wing and the summer dinner at Rolling Acres. I hope to integrate more ag-related and environmental research into programming at the Fiore Art Center, and perhaps even permaculture on a larger scale—with a greater integration between the arts and these other disciplines we might serve as a place where new creative thinking can emerge.