Biddeford ArtWalk

Thank you to Victoria Gordon for designing ArtWalk’s new logo!

The Biddeford ArtWalk is a free open to the public event celebrating local arts and creativity happening the third Friday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm from May – October.

ArtWalks are an intersection of Maine’s contemporary art scene, its historic downtowns, and the natural world.

Engine is proud to power Biddeford’s annual ArtWalk events in partnership with the City of Biddeford, Heart of Biddeford, and a number of downtown businesses and organizations.

These self-guided walks lead you to some of Biddeford’s working artists, local businesses, and restaurants and cafés exhibiting local artwork. Different every time, an ArtWalk evening may include opening receptions, street performances, and visits to open studios. You can view works in progress and even participate in hands-on workshops.

2022 Schedule

5:30-7:30PM Third Friday of the month, May – October, rain or shine

May 20
June 17
July 15
August 19*
September 16
October 21

*For August, ArtWalk will extend from 5-9PM as part of FringeFest.

Plan your ArtWalk

Browse our map and list of participating creatives and make the most of your evening out.

Map of Participating Artists & Businesses

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS & BUSINESSES

Browse the list of participating artists and businesses. Each month new sights and sounds will fill the streets of downtown, Shevenell Park, and the Mills!

FOOD & BEVERAGE

We have a limited listing of the vibrant food and beverage spots in Downtown Biddeford on our ArtWalk Map. Heart of Biddeford’s places directory is the perfect place to find a bite to eat or a drink before or after ArtWalk festivities.

COVID-19

We are asking all ArtWalk participants to adhere to participating venue protocols when visiting. Some venues require masks when indoors no matter your vaccination status.

For Participating Artists & Businesses

ARTWALK SIGNUP IS CLOSED

Artists, makers, creatives, and businesses of all types interested in participating in Biddeford’s ArtWalk. There are no fees to participate in ArtWalk and as a vibrant creative community here in Biddeford, we are asking participating artists and venues to share in the marketing, publicity, social media, and word of mouth efforts to support a high energy event. ArtWalk sign-ups will resume in early 2023.

ARTISTS & MAKERS! SHOW YOUR WORK

Each month, various venues participate in ArtWalk. Here is a partial listing of those venues that actively look for artists to display work during ArtWalk and throughout the year as pop-up shows and month-long exhibits:

Elements Books Beer and Coffee at 265 Main Street in Biddeford

Heart of Biddeford at 205 Main Street: contact Juanita Dickinson

Trillium at 238 Main Street in Biddeford: email

Flourish at 140 Main Street: contact Maribeth Amber

Nibblesford: contact Ian Kern

The MacArthur Library: contact Danielle Fortin

History of Biddeford ArtWalk

Biddeford’s first ArtWalk was April 26, 2007. Artists Nancy Kureth and Jared
Radding conceived of the idea which was based on Portland’s successful First Friday. Kureth and Radding organized a group show at the North Dam Mill and recruited Portland-based band Phantom Buffalo to perform in the mill. The event was a result of the Twin Cities Cultural Plan that was completed in 2006.

After the first ArtWalk, the downtown group Heart of Biddeford and other volunteers got involved, making it an ongoing monthly event. Venues initially included Franklin Street Art Space, Gallery 265, Youland’s Jewelry, Bebe’s Burritos, Wiggle Weigle Books, and some of the studios in the North Dam Mill. The event expanded to include venues in Saco in 2013, and operated as the Biddeford+Saco ArtWalk until 2018.

Since 2009, Biddeford ArtWalk™ has been coordinated by Engine, a local nonprofit community arts organization and takes place on the third Friday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm. Engine now collaborates with Common Roots Studio to co-produce this community event