FALMOUTH — Norway Savings Bank is thrilled to announce a $3,000 contribution to support a collaboration between one of Maine’s most acclaimed documentary filmmaking companies, Lone Wolf Media in South Portland and the Union of Maine Visual Artists. UMVA advocates for Maine art and artists building camaraderie and promoting the common good. Recently, NSB team members presented a check for the contribution to members of the team behind the project.
The documentary is entitled “Away From It All: Maine’s Place in American Art History”. The film tells the story of Maine’s influence on American art history from 1850 to present day. It will travel throughout the state documenting the stories of artists such as Thomas Cole, Frederick Church, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Rockwell Kent and Andrew Wyeth while showing off Maine’s inherent beauty. Maine inspired and impacted scores of famous artists and transformed the American art scene in the process.
“No other state in the country can boast of our history,” said Peggy Greenhut Golden, former director of the Greenhut Galleries in Portland. “This history is important and extensive. Maine Public will premiere the film in 2026, and our hope is to air it on PBS stations across the country.”
The team behind the production is comprised of a ‘who’s who’ in Maine art, including Greenhut Golden; Susan Danly, former senior curator at the Portland Museum of Art; Suzette McAvoy, former curator at the Farnsworth Museum and director of the Center for Modern Contemporary Art, both in Rockland; and Carl Little, a noted arts writer.
Lone Wolf Media is owned by Kirk and Lisa Wolfinger. The scriptwriter, Rocky Collins, is a native of Orono and wrote the script for the film Summer of Soul, which is available on Netflix. The editor, Jed Rausher, is a graduate of Bowdoin College with a degree in art history. Lone Wolf’s most recent film “Resistance: They Fought Back” was made in conjunction with Paula Apsell, the founder of NOVA on PBS, where it aired in 2025.
In addition, the project also aims to ensure that people of all ages can experience it.
“A shorter version of the film especially for children will be available on the film website. Curriculum for teachers will accompany it and can be accessed globally. It’s important that children learn about this extraordinary Maine history,” said Greenhut Golden. “A creative film about a timeless piece of Maine history, made by Mainers, premiered by Maine Public, and showcasing many picturesque locations provokes a certain sense of pride to those who are fortunate to call Maine home.”
“Norway Savings is happy to play a small role in helping to make this story reach thousands and thousands of viewers. The difference our state has made for artists and art itself through the years is remarkable,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “We’re thankful to the production team and collaborators for dedicating their time and diligence to preserving this history and offering it to future generations.”
If you are able to contribute to this project, you can make a donation at www.theumva.org/donate. To learn more about the film, please visit www.theumva.org/away-from-it-all or email [email protected].
