On 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 (PMA), 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.”