“Picturing Maine: The Wyeth Family in Historical Context”
with Victoria Wyeth and Margaret Creighton 

An immersive four-day class focusing on the Wyeth family and the artwork inspired by Maine’s natural beauty.  

Andrew Wyeth, (United States), 1917–2009, Maine Room, 1991, watercolor and graphite on paper, 28 1/4 x 36 1/4 inches, Bequest of Elizabeth B. Noyce, 1996.38.61 

Course Description: Maine is more than the easternmost state; it is an imagined region that has captivated artists, writers, and promoters for over two centuries. This intensive workshop looks at the evolving idea of Maine and Mainers, with a focus on the work of the Wyeth family.  

In addition to the Wyeth family, workshop lectures will touch briefly on other twentieth century Maine artists, including Marsden Hartley and Lois Dodd. Throughout the week, the class will discuss the meaning of Maine (and Mainers) through selections of short fiction, poetry, and comedy routines. Let this course be a fun and refreshing experience — don’t be surprised if Victoria and Margaret even invite you to dinner during this special week! 

Instructors: Our instructors for the week are lecturer Victoria Wyeth (Andrew Wyeth’s granddaughter, Jamie Wyeth’s niece, and N. C. Wyeth’s great-granddaughter) and Margaret Creighton, Professor Emerita of American history, Bates College.  

Victoria Wyeth has lectured extensively throughout the United States and abroad. She’s given gallery talks and lectures at Wyeth museum exhibitions from Tokyo to Paris. Since her first gallery talk in June 1995, she has interspersed discussions of subject matter and technique with direct quotes from her from her grandfather and her uncle, in addition to many personal memories and family stories.  

Professor Margaret Creighton, whose family roots are in Maine, has written a number of books on American history. Her recent teaching, which has included courses like Back East, Out West, Down South and Imagining Maine, has focused on the curious way regional myths relate to lived experience.  

Victoria Wyeth, photo credit Jim Graham

Margaret Creighton, Professor Emerita, Bates College

Details: 
The class will be held Tuesday, September 30 through Friday, October 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Portland Museum of Art. On Saturday, October 4, the group will meet offsite in Midcoast Maine for instructor-led visits to Wyeth-related sites. 

A class syllabus will be provided in advance, including updated reading assignments featuring Maine short fiction. 

Recommended Pre-Reading: 

• A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline 

• Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life by Richard Merryman 

Registration Includes: 

• Daily admission to the Portland Museum of Art (September 30 and October 1–3, 2025) 

• Morning coffee and pastries 

• A catered lunch midweek 

Please Note: 

• Lodging and all transportation, including to the Midcoast Maine sites on October 4, are the responsibility of each participant. 

• All meals beyond the catered lunch and morning snacks are not included. 

• Participants are responsible for securing their own trip insurance, if desired. 

• The course requires a minimum of 20 registrants to run. 

Cost: $1,095; $995 for PMA Members 

For questions on this program, please contact hello@portlandmuseum.org.