Center for Arts and Ecology

06/05/2026

Join us as the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine presents the Little Prince on the dunes at the Desert of Maine. All ages welcome! 🐪🏜️😆

June 15th @ 5:00pm

Get your tickets now!

05/01/2026

Jake is a national treasure! We feel so lucky that sharing his talents with us ❤️

03/02/2026

01/27/2026

Join us for a story walk and exploration of the world underneath the snow, this Thursday at 4 pm! Bring sleds, snow shoes, and cross country skis. This program is free to members of CAE. See our website for details or purchase tickets for this event in the link tree.

01/09/2026

Over and Under the Snow
January 29 4-6 pm
Individual $15
Family $20
Free for Members

Register for the event or become a member at the link in bio.

Come learn how animals live during the snowy months of winter at the Desert of Maine. This winter ecology walk will loosely follow the story, Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, as we learn about the hidden ‘subnivian” world between the snow and the ground. Feel free to bring Nordic skis, sleds, and snowshoes. We will provide marshmallows for roasting over a bonfire.

01/07/2026

Desert of Maine Art Camp
Discover where nature meets creativity! Each day, campers will venture into the unique landscape of the Desert of Maine, uncovering its fascinating history, geology, and the remarkable plants and animals that thrive in this sandy terrain.
Inspired by daily explorations, campers will dive into hands-on arts and crafts projects including weaving, jewelry making, 3-D arts, book making, painting, and gardening. Each creation connects back to the desert’s natural wonders, transforming observations into artistic expression. The week will end with mini-golf and a showcase of artwork for families and friends!
Planning to join us for both weeks? We’ve designed unique project focuses for Week 1 and Week 2, ensuring returning campers experience fresh creative adventures throughout their time with us.
Scholarship available

Week 1

July 6-10
8:45 am - 3 pm
Aftercare Available 
Cost $480

Week 2

July 13-17
8:45 - 3 pm
Aftercare Available
Cost $480

07/29/2025

Join us August 7 at 7 pm for the third and final Farmhouse Folk concert in the series at the Desert of Maine.

Featuring Emilia Dahlin, Chris Moore, and Jeff Christmas at the historic Farmhouse at the Desert of Maine. This all acoustic, folk-inspired singer-songwriter performance will connect the audience with the artists and the stories behind their songs. Register for a limited number of tickets!

A folk-infused singer-songwriter concert at the historic Desert of Maine Farmhouse

07/29/2025

Farmhouse Folk with Chris Moore, Emilia Dahlin, and Jeff Christmas
August 7 from 7-8:30 pm at the Desert of Maine Farmhouse
An all-acoustic evening of folk-infused original music by local Maine talent

Drive Train Contradance and Concert in the Farmhouse with Maggie Robinson
August 25 from 7-9 pm at the Desert of Maine Farmhouse
An evening of joyful, lively dance and music! 

Dune on the Dunes, co-sponsored by Space Gallery, Friends of Congress Square Park, Portland Museum of Art, the Center for Arts and Ecology, and the Desert of Maine
September 2 from 7-9 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm
David Lynch’s 1984 film Dune on the dunes at the Desert of Maine 
BYOB chair and blanket

ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS

06/02/2025

We still have some tickets left for our Farmhouse Folk concert featuring Chris Moore, Jeff Christmas, and Sorcha Cribben-Merrill! Come experience the gorgeous all acoustic sound of our local talented musicians in a truly magical venue—the historic Farmhouse at the Desert of Maine. See you there!