ArtWaves

ArtWaves is Bar Harbor's beloved community arts organization, offering hands-on art workshops, classes, and events that bring Maine's natural beauty into creative expression. For families visiting Acadia, it's a wonderful complement to the outdoor adventures — a chance to slow down, make something with your hands, and take home a piece of Maine that you created yourself.

Workshops are offered for a wide range of ages, from young children to teens and adults. The themes are often inspired by the coastal Maine environment — ocean creatures, Acadia landscapes, marine life — making them feel especially connected to the Bar Harbor experience. Materials are provided, so families just need to show up ready to create.

ArtWaves is one of the best rainy-day options in Bar Harbor. When the weather turns gray and Acadia hikes aren't appealing, a morning in the studio is a genuinely satisfying alternative. Kids who are more indoor-oriented or creatively inclined often rate an ArtWaves workshop as a trip highlight.

Check the ArtWaves schedule online before your trip and register for workshops that interest your family — popular sessions fill quickly in summer. The studio also participates in community art events throughout the season, some of which are free or low-cost.