PORTLAND, ME.- On Friday, August 29, 2014, the land surrounding the Winslow Homer Studio in Prouts Neck, Maine, was acquired and permanently conserved through the cooperative efforts of the Portland Museum of Art, the Prouts Neck Association (PNA), and the Scarborough Land Trust (SLT). 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 PMA worked together with the PNA and the SLT to ensure that this property is conserved in perpetuity as open, undeveloped space. PMA donated an easement to SLT on the .57 acre property.

“This is a unique collaboration among these three organizations and unprecedented in PMA history,” said PMA 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 SLT’s 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.”

Scarborough Land Trust conserves land for public benefit, and 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 Land Trust ensures it will be permanently protected.

The Winslow Homer Studio is located on Prouts Neck, Maine, 12 miles south of the PMA. One of the most significant locations in the history of American art, the Studio is where the great American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910) lived and painted many of his masterpieces from 1883 until his death. The museum purchased this National Historic Landmark in 2006 and embarked on a major restoration project. In 2012, the PMA opened the Studio to the public. Tours of the Studio offer visitors an extraordinary opportunity to walk in Homer’s footsteps and to see the iconic views of the coast of Maine that influenced his artistic vision.