Established in 2010 The Gallery at Somes Sound is located on Mount Desert Island, overlooking beautiful Somes Sound in the historic Village of Somesville (Town of Mount Desert). The Gallery represents contemporary artists of national standing while showcasing their fine art and studio furniture .. tucked away on the “quiet side” of the Island, this is a real treat for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The gallery represents accomplished artists who have devoted their lives to this profession. The subject matters along with the artists' style and technique are quite diversified and offer something for everyone who enter the Gallery. Landscape, seascape, still life's and figurative, representational, realism, abstract. The stable of artists was built by referrals, either through other artists represented at the Gallery or by clients who are collectors and familiar with artists whom we represent. As a result, most artists know one another which makes for a great group of talented individuals supporting each other and their accomplishments. Some are summer residents on Mount Desert Island, others have visited Maine for many years during the summer to paint the scenes of this area, or some are new to the area but have a deep desire to connect with the Maine Coast.
The studio furniture on display at the gallery is made by some of the finest craftsmen in the United States and abroad. These furniture makers have been taught or apprenticed by Wendell Castle, James Krenov, Alphonse Matea, Jere Osgood, the founders of the studio furniture movement (aligned with the arts and crafts movement) dating back to the 1950's and 60’s. Each piece of furniture is considered sculptural fine art and is made one piece at a time in the furniture makers studio, it is not mass produced or put together on an assembly line. The design is specific to each piece and is considered one of a kind. Items created by these craftsmen can be found on display in various museums across the United States. The Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Currier Art Museum, among many others.
Gallery Director
Tyra Hanson has been involved in creative space planning off and on for the past forty years. In 2010 she opened the The Gallery at Somes Sound in the Village of Somesville on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Her passion for working with artists, promoting their fine art and furniture, has allowed her to continuously expand the gallery’s collection. Her experience in creative space planning and in utilizing the qualities and characteristics of natural light, focusing on its intensity, direction, and color variations, allows her to enhance the presentation and quality of the fine art and studio furniture on display.
Tyra also enjoys greeting art enthusiasts and working with clients who require assistance in choosing acquisitions for their home or business.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors with the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce, Tyra remains active with local non-profit organizations, a supporter of the Wendell Gilley Museum, a member of the Business Advisor’s Team with Friends of Acadia. She is a business partner with Portland Museum of Art and an active supporter of the N.H. Furniture Masters.
Gallery Support
Lorraine Strauss Stanley is the gallery’s part time assistant and full time artist. “Lou” is knowledgeable of fine art and studio furniture and is a great asset to the gallery. You may find Lou on the showroom floor chatting with customers and introducing them to the artists and their work or discussing the current show. She is also a part of the gallery's stable of artists after being the visiting artist in 2024. You may have an opportunity to see Lou painting at her easel ... feel free to introduce yourself and ask any questions that you may have!
Kaitlyn Metcalf is the gallery's part time event coordinator for the artist workshops hosted by the gallery. With Kaitlyn's many years as an experienced artist, she works alongside the instructor, offering assistance to the participants where necessary. Given that Kaitlyn explores and hikes Acadia National Park, she knows of various private locations that are perfect for plein air workshops during the summer. In addition to coordinating the workshops, Kaitlyn is represented by the gallery and has been a part of its stable for the past five years.
Michael Perlman is a local filmmaker and photographer who was been working on the East Coast for over 20 years capturing its light, people and essence. Mike has been working with the gallery for the past three years, creating videos and films about the artists and their shows during the summer months. Currently, Mike is working on a documentary about the history of studio furniture featuring craftsmen and artisans represented at the gallery. This documentary will air this summer, 2025.