Maine's South Solon Meeting House Showcases 70-Year-Old Frescoes

The South Solon Meeting House in Solon, Maine, often called 'Maine’s Sistine Chapel,' is an unassuming 19th-century church whose interior is covered in vibrant fresco murals painted in the 1950s by artists affiliated with the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Initiated by Margaret Day Blake, the project gave young artists creative freedom to adorn the walls and ceilings with biblical scenes and references to works like da Vinci's 'The Last Supper.' These murals, preserved for over 70 years, have long drawn admiration from visitors and have recently gained renewed attention through a dedicated website developed by Colby College students. Art historian Véronique Plesch has highlighted the importance of keeping such art accessible to the public and hopes it fosters broader appreciation for frescoes. The building, now a community gathering space, remains a unique testament to mid-century American art and local history. The South Solon Meeting House stands as a hidden cultural gem in rural Maine, inspiring both artists and art lovers.