Former President George W. Bush Bringing Art Exhibition to Maine in August 2026

A special one-day art exhibition featuring original works by former President George W. Bush is coming to Maine this summer.

According to a press release from St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, the church announced that it will host the exhibition on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Harold Alfond Forum on the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

The curated collection will feature original artwork by President Bush, who began painting in 2012 after serving two terms as the 43rd President of the United States.

According to the announcement, Bush was initially inspired by Winston Churchill’s essay "Painting as a Pastime," and painting has since become a way for him to reflect, think critically, and continue learning.

The exhibition will also serve as a fundraiser for St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, a historic summer chapel located on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport. Proceeds from the event will support the church’s “Preserving a Legacy” Capital Campaign, which helps repair and protect the historic buildings and grounds from future weather-related damage, the press release stated.

St. Ann’s has long been cherished by the local community, as well as the Bush and Walker families. The church is known for its sea-washed stone chapel, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and deep connection to generations of Maine families and visitors.

Bush’s artwork is described as personal, introspective, sometimes humorous, and often reflective of the values most important to him, including faith, family, freedom, and community, according to the press release.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, at the Harold Alfond Forum, located at 630 Pool Street in Biddeford.

Timed-entry tickets are available now. Admission is $10 for adults, while children under age 11 can attend for free. Free on-site parking will also be available.

Organizers note that large bags, food, and drinks will not be permitted inside the event.

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church has been in continuous seasonal use since 1892 and is open from mid-June through September for services, concerts, weddings, and sightseeing. The grounds feature gardens, historic architecture, and views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Kennebunk River.