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.

Tara Rook

Artist Statement

Tara’s mission through her work as an artist is to create mindful art with love.

She expresses gratitude and appreciation by illustrating themes of nature, Maine, anatomy and physiology, the healing arts, flora and fauna, and her love of traveling to distant places. Her pieces emanate a positive, loving and healing quality.

Tara currently owns and operates Tara Rook Studios, located in the State Theatre Building in the Arts District of Portland. Tara Rook Studios explores the arts for individual and collective healing. The Studio is home to her role as an intuitive meditation teacher, an artist, Just Milk (Tara’s electronic music project) and offering unique experiences through the arts with an emphasis on growth and expansion.

Her vision is to continue developing both a physical and virtual center for creative wellness, helping others find peace and alignment by interlacing art, music, movement, and meditation

As a Buddhist and devoted meditation practitioner with a heart of compassion, Tara is dedicated to helping others form their own practice of awakening, self realization and self liberation through mindful based practices. Growing up in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition helped form her daily practice of meditation and build empathy and compassion for all living beings.  She enjoys learning about various traditions, philosophies, and spiritualities.

What People Say

We love our guests and they love us back
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.