Curatorial
Able Baker Contemporary is an artist-run gallery with an open curatorial structure, based in the Arts District of Portland, Maine.
We offer a continually-changing series of group shows, most of which are proposed by local and regional artists and curators. An important focus of Able Baker is our ongoing "Artists' Context Series", in which artists assemble thematically or formally precise group shows, including their own work. This advances our mission to give artists agency in the curatorial process, thereby engaging with the arts community from the perspective of those who are committed to an active and thoughtful studio practice. Another important part of Able Baker's mission is to give a significant voice to contemporary artists from our region (specifically Maine, and extending to Northern New England), in conversation with national and international contemporary and historical work.
Director Tessa G. O'Brien is a painter who lives and works in South Portland. Our two founders, Stephen Benenson and Hilary Irons, are both painters who have been based in Portland (on and off) for over a decade. Everyone at Able Baker is an artist volunteer. We are dedicated to maintaining active studio practices as well as providing curatorial and administrative structure for Able Baker.