SCARBOROUGH – On Friday, Aug. 29, the land surrounding the Winslow Homer Studio in Prouts Neck in Scarborough was acquired and permanently conserved through the cooperative efforts of the Portland Museum of Art, the Prouts Neck Association, and the Scarborough Land Trust.

From this place, Winslow Homer enjoyed dramatic views of the ocean crashing against Maine’s rocky coast – views that inspired his greatest masterpieces and transformed marine painting in American art. In recognition of the importance of this location to America’s cultural heritage, the Portland Museum of Art worked together with the Prouts Neck Association and Scarborough Land Trust to ensure that the property is conserved in perpetuity as open, undeveloped space. The museum donated an easement to the land trust on the .57-acre property.

“This is a unique collaboration among these three organizations and unprecedented in PMA history,” said museum Director Mark H.C. Bessire. “As the steward of this National Historic Landmark and property, the PMA is committed to protecting the same dramatic views of sea and sky that influenced Homer’s artistic vision, not unlike the views of Claude Monet’s Giverny or Georgia O’Keeffe’s views of New Mexico. We are deeply grateful to our partners in this arrangement for helping us to make it possible to permanently protect Homer’s viewshed for future generations to enjoy.”

“Scarborough Land Trust is thrilled to partner with the Portland Museum of Art and the Prouts Neck Association in the conservation of this iconic property,” said land trust President Paul Austin. “Winslow Homer captured the beauty of Prouts Neck like no other artist, and protecting Scarborough’s natural resources for the future is the core of our mission. This partnership reflects the deep and long-standing tie between Maine’s natural beauty and its artistic heritage.”

Founded in 1977, Scarborough Land Trust has protected more than 1,200 acres to date. Its mission includes the conservation of natural resources that have scenic vistas and historical significance. By holding a conservation easement on the Homer Studio property, the trust ensures it will be permanently protected.

The Winslow Homer Studio is where Homer (1836-1910) lived and painted many of his masterpieces from 1883 until his death. The museum purchased the National Historic Landmark in 2006 and embarked on a major restoration project. In 2012, the museum opened the studio to the public.

The half-acre surrounding the Winslow Homer Studio in Scarborough has been acquired and permanently conserved. 


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