Featured Artist | The Francis Portland Maine

FEATURED ARTISTS AT THE FRANCIS

Bringing Portland’s Best to You

Portland has such a vibrant art community, and we’ve chosen to showcase some of the local talent here in Maine, through a rotating gallery in common spaces at The Francis. Each exhibit will either feature an artist or subject from Maine. This month we are featuring works by MJ Benson.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

MJ Benson (b. 1967) is a landscape artist living and working on the coast of Maine. Her work is anchored by the illusory horizon, and addresses the relationships of the earth, sky and water. She works in bold and expressive gestures and colors, with an emphasis on abstraction rooted by the familiar. She immerses herself in the outdoors, sometimes literally, with her ocean swimming, hiking and fishing. Her previous work as a photographer and her extensive plein air painting practice informs larger work done in her studio. She works with oil, acrylic, watercolor and encaustic paint, as well as incorporating earth pigments and ocean/lake water in her pieces.

She has a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and an EdM from Harvard University. She was a juried artist for Maine Audubon’s Brush With Nature Plein Air Auction in 2021 & 2022, and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust Paint for Preservation in 2016 & 2017. She is a recipient of a Maine Arts Commission Project Grant for Artists, 2022 and had a solo show at the Maine State House as part of the Maine Arts Commission Arts In The Capitol program.

What People Say

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Gem in Portland!

So glad we stayed at the Francis on a recent weekend getaway to Portland. The hotel is charming, the rooms are large, the service was great, and there are wonderful small touches throughout the property. The surrounding area is less touristy than near those hotels in Old Port, but we found that to be a net positive. There are a number of excellent bars and restaurants within walking distance (try Hot Suppa, Bao Bao, and The Bramhall). Would definitely stay here again.

Lovely Boutique Hotel

Accommodations were great - room was comfortable & clean. Staff was helpful & welcoming. The location was good for sightseeing - we were able to walk around Portland from there.

Perfect getaway

The Francis is a beautiful boutique hotel with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable Rooms are very clean and unique , Bose speaker to use while taking a shower. The Francis is so conveniently located close to the downtown Portland shops and just across from a great bakery and coffee shop... this is a must stay ... we will definitely be back.

Favorite place in Portland

Great place to stay. Staff was wonderful. Clean and new accommodations. We were able to get an early check in and a late checkout via text message. I would recommend getting the Terrace if possible!!!

Super friendly staff!

Our stay was during the covid19 pandemic. The staff was super friendly and due to limited numbers of travelers, we felt like we had the place to ourselves. It feels like a hotel meets bed and breakfast. There is a lot of charm and character and it is cozy. Great beds and wonderful showers.

Past Artists

Creating in Confinement

Creating in Confinement is a powerful art exhibit showcasing a variety of mixed media, including photography and paintings, created by individuals incarcerated in the Maine prison system. This exhibit is organized by the Maine College of Art & Design’s...

Carla Weeks

Carla Weeks is a British-born painter and muralist based in Midcoast Maine. Informed by her personal interactions with both the natural landscape and built environment, she utilizes abstraction to navigate through the physical and emotional experience of place....

Isabelle O’Donnell

Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell is a textile artist who lives and works in Midcoast, Maine. She received her BFA from Maine College of Art & Design, and has exhibited at venues including Able Baker Contemporary, BUOY Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art at...