Episod 17: The Art of Maine: Creativity, Community, and Collecting with Elizabeth Moss

Host: Elise Kiely
Guest: Elizabeth Moss, Founder & Owner of Elizabeth Moss Galleries in Falmouth and Portland, Maine
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | eliseKiely.com

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Elegant Maine Living, host Elise Kiely welcomes Elizabeth Moss, a central figure in Maine’s vibrant art scene and the visionary founder of Elizabeth Moss Galleries. With locations in Falmouth and Portland, Elizabeth has been curating and promoting both emerging and established artists—many with strong Maine connections—since 2004.

Together, Elise and Elizabeth explore the power of art as a reflection of community, history, and culture. From the spiritual pull of Monhegan Island to the rediscovery of underrepresented women artists like Lynn Drexler, this conversation is a testament to Maine’s enduring artistic legacy. They also reflect on the intersections of entrepreneurship, family, and female empowerment, sharing personal stories from the early days of their careers while building businesses.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 🎨 The significance of Monhegan Island in American art history
• 💡 How Provenance in art parallels the value of storytelling in real estate
• 🖼️ The overlooked brilliance of mid-century female abstract artists
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How Maine’s creative community is uniquely collaborative and welcoming
• 👩‍💼 The power of partnerships—from real estate to art and design—with Nicola Manganello
• 👶 Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood: lessons from Liz and Elise

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Elizabeth Moss Galleries website - 
• Elizabeth Moss Galleries on Instagram
• Elizabeth Moss Galleries on Facebook

Connect with Elise

🌐 Website & Listings: Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
📸 Follow Elise on Social Media:

• Instagram: @elisekielyrealestate
• Facebook: Elise Kiely Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Elise Kiely

Have Questions or Topic Suggestions, e-mail Elise at

• Elise@EliseKiely.com
  
  

Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Elise every other week to discover what makes Maine not just beautiful—but beautifully lived.

Please remember this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not create an attorney client or real estate advisor client relationship. Please reach out to me directly if I can assist you in your real estate journey.

Transcript

Episode Title:
“The Art of Maine: Creativity, Community, and Collecting with Elizabeth Moss”

Word of the Day: "Provenance"

Definition: The origin or history of ownership of a valued object or work of art.
Use in context: “In the art world, provenance isn’t just about where a piece has been—it’s about the story it carries. Much like real estate, the value lies not only in the object, but in its story.”

Opening (2–3 minutes)

• Welcome listeners to Elegant Maine Living
• Brief introduction of guest: Elizabeth Moss, founder and director of Moss Galleries in Falmouth and Portland
• Personal note:
   
  • Longtime friend
•  
  • Neil and I purchased one of her first paintings in 2004—a winter seascape from Monhegan Island
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  • Acknowledge the connection through Nicola Manganello and the value of early-career collaboration
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  • Generous and helpful after fire in helping us manage some of our art
     
     
• 
  

Segment 1: Elizabeth’s Journey Into Art (5–6 minutes)

• Elizabeth’s background:
   
  • M.A. in Arts Management from George Washington University
•  
  • Work with the Hirshhorn Museum, Smithsonian Young Benefactors, and Zonta International
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• Falling in love with Maine on a trip to Monhegan Island
• Launching Moss Galleries in 2004
• Support from her family—father, mother, and aunt—in the early years of gallery ownership
• Balancing gallery life and entrepreneurship while raising two children with her husband

Segment 2: The Mission of Moss Galleries (5–6 minutes)

• Highlight the Gallery’s mission: connecting people to art made in or inspired by Maine
• Decades-long relationships with artists and collectors
• Moss Galleries’ role in promoting Maine artists locally and internationally
• How has the Maine brand and landscape impacted, if at all, the ability to promote Maine artists
• How has the goal of connecting people to art evolved over the past 20 years – impact of Covid
• The gallery environment: approachable, educational, and elegant – we will talk more about this later in our talk, but how has your use of the gallery changed and facilitated your ability to create community

POTENTIAL BREAK

Segment 3: Maine’s Artistic and Economic Impact (8–9 minutes)

• Maine’s legacy in American art—from Hopper and Wyeth to today’s top contemporary artists
• How art has been (and continues to be) an economic driver for Maine
• The growth of Maine’s artistic community and market in recent years
• The role of art in real estate and investment portfolios—especially among buyers looking to “live with what they love”
• Stories of collectors and how art purchases have intersected with life milestones

Segment 4: Art as Community & Cultural Connector (5–6 minutes)

• How Moss Gallery events foster community—bringing people together across industries and backgrounds
• The gallery as a gathering space for culture, commerce, and conversation
• Role of art in expressing identity and grounding people in place
• Maine Museum of Photographic arts – share how that started and mission of that museum
• 
  

Segment 5: Behind the Scenes – Stories from the Art World (6–7 minutes)

• Memorable client moments, artists, or pieces placed
• The power of relationships in representing artists
• A few anecdotes that show the heart and emotion behind meaningful sales

Closing Segment: Signature Questions (4–5 minutes)

• Where do you and your family find elegance in Maine?
• Favorite hidden gem or special place in Maine?
• One talent you wish you had?
• Favorite painting or sculpture (either in her galleries or personally owned)?
• Favorite or most impactful book that has shaped your worldview or creative journey?

Final Wrap-Up (1–2 minutes)

• Thank Elizabeth for her time, insight, and contributions to Maine’s cultural landscape
• Invite listeners to visit Moss Galleries in Falmouth and Portland
• Share links to Elizabeth’s gallery and social media in the show notes
• Reminder to subscribe, review, and share Elegant Maine Living
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