South Solon Meeting House: A Hidden Gem Revered for Its Rich Frescoes

The South Solon Meeting House, constructed in 1842. It continues to reflect the true community spirit and artistic efforts of the people of Maine. This one-of-a-kind collaboration and gathering space, dubbed “Maine’s Sistine Chapel,” invites the public in with its unlatched doors. Enter to learn about its early history, stunningly decorated with fresco murals.

The Meeting House initially served as a place of worship through the 1940s. Its history is quite complex and quite storied, with significant closures during WWI. In 1951, its fortune changed again, with the building’s revival fueled by Margaret Day Blake’s campaign to restore the building’s cultural prominence. For that reason, she spiritedly encouraged young artists to paint frescoes. With the assistance and mentorship of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, they created a unique creative communal space.

In the 1950s, 13 artists painted amazing frescoes full of wonderful flower and fauna – penguins, parrots, you name it. A number of these works take direct inspiration from scriptural themes. This was the artists’ favorite part, the creative freedom to choose their subjects. This decision produced a magnificent tapestry of 3D scenes that vividly communicate the heart of biblical stories. The murals contain powerful illustrations of Jacob wrestling with an angel and the binding of Isaac. They feature a stunning re-telling of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Finally, another mural depicts the Great Flood, a theme found in Michelangelo’s famous ceiling at the Sistine Chapel.

>Today, visitors to the South Solon Meeting House frequently comment on the serenity, beauty and artistic importance of this national treasure. A regular Atelier visitor, Abeles made similar observations as he explored the space, saying, “It is a very, very special place and that was a rare experience. All of you feel this as much as I do. She’s excited for them to experience not only the art, but the beautiful, deep history that permeates every corner of this stunning building.

The restoration of the Meeting House has additionally acted as a learning inspiration for local artists, students and others. Here’s what one of the artists in the project, Suzanne Goulet, had to say about it. As she put it, “We want to steal this inspiration for our students.” This commitment to developing artistic appreciation is still very much alive among the community.

As artists convened in this pristine, pastoral place, both solitude and support greeted these winners. Sidney Hurwitz reminisced about their time spent painting in the Meeting House: “We would go out there and paint and then take a lunch break in the cemetery behind the building. It was a very idyllic time.” These kinds of memories add to the structure’s mystique, as more than an arts space, but a sort of incubator for imagination.

Véronique Plesch, another artist who participated in the fresco project, shared her deep connection to the Meeting House: “I fell in love with the place because I have studied frescoes all my life.” Her passion shines through, as does the enthusiasm of everyone whose support has ensured that this cultural landmark will remain for future generations to cherish.