Visit campus or join us for the many public programs.
Visit Campus
Campus closed for the season.
From May–October, campus visitors are welcome to walk down the the central staircase to the flag deck and visit the Haystack Store. Visitors must check in at the Main Office. For safety, the buildings and the shoreline are closed to the public; Haystack also does not have a boat mooring or dock for visitors to arrive by water. Dogs and other pets–except for Service Animals–are not permitted on campus.
Tours
Public campus tours are held June–August on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM . Tour admission is $5 per adult. Tour participants will need to navigate uneven terrain and many stairs. Pre-registration is required to attend campus tours.
Registration for 2025 tours will open on May 1, 2025.
Public Programs
ARTIST PRESENTATIONS
Coinciding with each of our summer workshop sessions, Haystack faculty, visiting artists, and studio assistants give presentations about their work, sharing ideas and influences with members of our community. These presentations traditionally have taken place on select evenings in the Gateway Auditorium and are free and open to the public.
STUDIO WALK-THROUGHS
Join participants and faculty at the end of each summer workshop session for a self-guided Walk-Through of the studios and campus. On the last Thursday of each session from 4:00–5:30 pm, studios will be open with faculty and participant work on display. This program is free and open to the public.
END-OF-SESSION AUCTIONS
The End-of-Session Auctions include work made by session workshop faculty and participants. The silent auctions benefit our scholarship/fellowship program and studio improvements. Session auctions are held in the Gateway Auditorium and are open to the public.
Special Events
HAYSTACK OPEN HOUSE | JULY 7, 2024
Artists from the wider community will offer demonstrations, answer questions and lead opportunities for visitors of all ages. Try some of the media, crafts, and techniques explored at the School.
SUMMER BENEFIT | JULY 12, 2024
The Summer Benefit is Haystack’s signature event fundraiser of the year. Held on the main deck of the award-winning campus overlooking Jericho Bay, this annual gathering features a reception and auction to celebrate the School.
THE HAYSTACK AUCTION | AUGUST 23, 2024
Celebrate Haystack and the inspiring artists who lead our summer sessions with a live auction of work by current and former faculty. Proceeds support operational funds, ensuring future support for instructors and participants alike.
Getting to Haystack
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts’ campus is located in mid-coast Maine on Deer Isle. Haystack is approximately 250 miles North of Boston, 160 miles from Portland and 70 miles from Bangor. Deer Isle is connected to the mainland by a bridge over the Eggemoggin Reach.
MOTORISTS
From the South
The most direct driving route is via I 95 from Kittery to Augusta. At Augusta, exit I 95 onto Rt. 3 heading toward Belfast. From Belfast, continue on Rt. 3 through Searsport, Stockton Springs, Bucksport, and East Orland; at East Orland, follow the directions below *
From Bangor and points North
Take I 95 South to I 395 East. Stay on I 395 East to Exit 4 (Rt. 15). At the end of the exit ramp, take a left onto Rt. 15 South. Follow Rt. 15 through Bucksport, (it will merge with Rt. 3), until you reach East Orland. At East Orland, follow the directions below *
*Turn right at the Irving Gas Station onto Rt. 15. Follow Rt. 15 all the way to Deer Isle village. At the village center, Rt. 15 splits—Rt. 15A heads to the right and Rt. 15 continues straight. Continue on Rt. 15 to both Haystack’s Center for Community Programs and Haystack’s campus.
Haystack’s Center for Community Programs is .10 mile on your left, across from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
Haystack’s campus is another 8 miles from Deer Isle village. Continue on Rt. 15 about .75 mile. At the gas station (which is on your right), turn LEFT onto the Sunshine Rd. Stay on the Sunshine Rd. and follow the smaller Haystack signs for the last seven miles and turn into the woods at 89 Haystack School Drive.
AIR TRAVEL
When traveling by air, visitors generally arrive via Bangor International Airport (BGR). Haystack arranges transportation from Bangor to the school for program participants including students, faculty, presenters, and visiting artists.
CAMPUS
May - October
89 Haystack School Drive
Deer Isle, ME 04627
Latitude:44.191009 / Longitude:-68.580673
VILLAGE OFFICE +
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
November-April
22 Church Street
Deer Isle, ME 04627
Latitude:44.223905 / Longitude:-68.677887