A ‘suitcase sized’ art show in Deer isle
‘Small Works’ features paintings, jewelry, ceramics, weavings and more
“Lobster Pound” by Thomas Moore, one of the “Small Works” on display at DIAA. Photo courtesy of DIAA.
Sept. 2, 2026
By Marilyn Eckberg
DEER ISLE—A new exhibit by the Deer Isle Artists Association (DIAA) offers "suitcase sized" packable art and craftworks.
“Small Works” runs for another couple of weeks, so there’s still time to visit this venerable 100-member artist and craftsperson co-operative in Deer Isle that has filled their bright space with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, cards, metalwork, weavings, drawings and collage for sale.
The organization was recently able to purchase its building thanks to an anonymous donor.
"This is our forever home," said David McBeth, a potter and the head of the organization.
Run by and for artists for 54 years, DIAA welcomes professional, emerging and student artists. Members usually have ties to the island but people as far away as Ellsworth may join.
When the last show of the season will be taken down in October, DIAA will display artwork in the large windows of its historic mansard building in Deer Isle. That will then free up space for artist residencies, workshops and artist talks during the winter months.
“Small Works” provides another opportunity to collect and support local–and exceptional–Maine artists. Visit the “Small Works” show through September 13 at the DIAA Gallery at 15 Main Street in Deer Isle Village.
The Rising Tide welcomes poems and other artistic endeavors from our community, and showcases them here in our “Create” section. If you have something you’d like to submit—a poem, a picture of a painting, a photograph, a music recording—send it to info@risingtide.media. We’d love to publish it and give you an audience for your creativity.
