Welcome to Color Field Farm.

In December 2016, we purchased the old Hutchins dairy farm.  The barn was built in 1904, the farmhouse completed in 1906.

Charles A. Hutchins (left) and his son Tommy Hutchins (right).

Charles A. Hutchins (left) and his son Tommy Hutchins (right).

Passing by on Route 27, we were drawn to the “big sky” behind the farmhouse & barn. We drove in one day and were stunned by the view - acres of wildflower meadows, old hayfields, bird marsh habitats, and wooded hills. 35 acres – and a steep southeast facing hill – perfect for a vineyard!

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Beginning in January 2017, we began a 6-month renovation to turn the gutted farmhouse into our dream: a gallery to celebrate the art of Maine’s finest makers.  With a grand opening in June 2017, the original Hutchins farm is now a creative space for celebrating art, music and film.

Visitors are encouraged to walk the flower gardens and meadow, or simply enjoy the vista of the Italy-inspired hillside vineyard, with over 400 vines from 8 grape varietals.

Artist-owner Brad Betts has been painting for over 30 years and is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists. His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery’s acclaimed “International Marine Art Exhibition” for over 10 years. He received the “Maritime Gallery Yachting Award” and the “Award of Excellence” at these juried exhibitions.

Brad offers gallery and vineyard tours, sharing stories of the farm’s history, local springs, viticulture, wine-making, and the gallery’s latest venture, coffee-roasting. Stop by to shop, chat, or attend one of the gallery’s art, music or community events.

Plan your next event at Color Field Farm

 

Our Artists.

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Our artists are people we know and love – people who are deeply rooted in Maine, who work every day with their hands to gain practice in the age-old tradition of craft, and who understand the value of art in connecting our communities.

 

Our Farm.

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The Farmhouse.

Over 150 works of original fine art, including maritime, landscape & harbor scenes, by award-winning Maine artist Brad Betts, ASMA.

Take your time wandering… there are 8 rooms on two floors of the farmhouse filled with paintings, hand-blown glass work, wood wares, and sculptures.

 

The Barn.

 

Eclectic found art pieces, stone sculptures, and other hand-crafted goods set against the warm backdrop of the 1904 barn. Occasionally, a music venue. Or simply a place to relax, pick up a guitar, and make music of your own.

 
 
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The Vineyard.

When our small vineyard in East Boothbay reached its 5th summer and exploded with grapes, we knew we needed more land. Now in our 10th year, we have over 300 vines in 8 varietals growing on our southeast facing hill.

If you dream of wine and touching the earth, let us know – we’d love your help.

We host work parties, often on Monday afternoons, to install posts or wires, tie up and trim the vines, weed and maintain the vineyard. More importantly, we use this time to connect with others who share our curiosity to learn more about wine growing and making. We welcome anyone who doesn’t mind a little hard work to join us and brainstorm ideas and techniques of viticulture and enology - we are all learning along the way and it is truly a fascinating process!

 
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Our Gardens.

After our first winter, we felt like we were discovering a secret garden as spring unfurled a host of unique flowering trees, shrubs and perennials.  It is a slow labor of love, but we are doing our best to restore the old gardens and add our own touches.  When you are arrive, you are greeted by over 1,000 daylilies gracing our front entrance (thanks to the generosity of daylily hybridist Don Cellar from Boothbay Harbor). Our gardens rotate from year to year: cut flower gardens filled with zinnias, over 1,000 sunflowers planted on the lower hill, and one time, a land art installation of one million red poppies, winding like a river through the lower field. Each year we continue to nurture and grow the gardens as a backdrop to our events and wedding celebrations.

 
2018 Maine Outdoor Film Festival at Down East Gallery (photo credit: Sheepscot Creative)

Events.

Throughout the year, we host events to celebrate Maine creatives in all media: art, music and film.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay in touch with our event schedule:

 
 
Left to right:  Sam Betts, Brad Betts, Danielle Betts, Ben Betts.  photo my michael O’Neil

Left to right: Sam Betts, Brad Betts, Danielle Betts, Ben Betts. photo my michael O’Neil

 

Thank you so much for visiting Down East Gallery! Relax in the barn, take in the view, walk the trails, and most of all, celebrate the art, and the many hours of patient time and talent invested by Maine’s finest artists.

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Enjoy!

Brad & Danielle Betts