Located at 9 Water Street, Rockland, Maine
The Maine Coastal Islands Visitor Center and Headquarters in Rockland is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. The Nature Store is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spring Art Shows – We will have an Art Opening and Meet the Artists for all exhibits on Friday, May 2, 4-6 PM.
Exhibits will up available to view earlier – note start date below for each exhibit
Showing April 8-May 22
Leaps of Imagination with South School Students in Rockland. Leaps of Imagination is a school-day program that brings local teaching artists into public elementary schools to promote deep, connected thinking.
The Art of Connection: “Connecting to the Land”
Fourth Grade / South School / Wheeler Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Fourth graders’ exploration of Wheeler Bay Wildlife Sanctuary inspired their collaborative landscape paintings, on exhibit at Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Visitor Center.
Art Exhibit: The Art of Connection: “Spreading our Wings: Stepping into our Collective Power”
Fifth Grade / South School
Making connections between big ideas are at the heart of fifth graders’ bird art. Young artists realized the commonalities between an eleven year girl who led the largest women’s walkout in New York garment factories for fair working conditions (1909) and birds flocking together for self-preservation.
Showing April 10 – May 20
“Images of Science and Nature” Sara J. Cary
Illustrations & Photography – Explore the beauty of nature through detailed photography and illustration. Each piece captures the quiet wonders of the natural world – patterns on an insect’s wing, the ecology of a forest floor, and the flowing forms of kelp, revealing the intricate rhythms that surround us.
Showing April 21- May 22
“The Art of Observation” Students of Riley School, Rockport
Throughout Ecology week, students explore the diverse ecosystems across midcoast Maine, honing their observation skills to study and sketch the plants and animals they encounter. Their field journals become the foundation for an intricate, large-scale map of the region, featuring multimedia reconstructions of the flora and fauna they identified—each placed in its exact location. This immersive exhibit invites you to see midcoast Maine through the eyes of young naturalists and artists, blending scientific discovery with creative expression.
Bird Time on the Coast – Guided Bird walks at select times through the spring!
“Bird Time on the Coast” is back this year! This fan favorite includes local bird experts who will lead trips to some of their favorite bird hotspots along the coast of Maine. Bird Time on the Coast is open to all bird watching abilities from beginners to advanced.
Registration is required to participate. A donation to support the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is suggested, and except for the seabird cruises, walks are scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 am. All trips are limited in number and will fill up quickly, so register early.