You can find the Olson House at 427 Hathorne Point Rd, Cushing, ME 04563. There's some limited parking behind the apple orchard but presumably you can also park along the access roads. This is a residential neighborhood so please be respectful. If you aren't an art historian you may wonder why the Olson House is worth visiting? The key is Andrew Wyeth - who painted many scenes of the house, the family and local vignettes. One of the most iconic paintings done by an American artist is "Christina's World" which features the building's on the Olson's property. Luckily the property was obtained by the local Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland who has started a much needed restoration (at one point the house was a Wyeth museum but it's fallen to hard times prior to the acquisition). The house sits on multiple acres of land and the property includes several buildings - the house and barn are rendered in the painting. Much of the structures' original pigment gave way to the elements, apparently during the Depression so it holds a beautiful gray-weathered patina. The primary structure is mostly intact (a chimney has been removed but I believe the plan is to replace it at some point). As you walk around you can get a sense of the home from when Wyeth rendered the painting. You can walk around the property but be aware that if you try to view the buildings using Wyeth's painting's perspective, you'll be in a field that's private property not owned by the Farnsworth. We took a chance and walked out which I think is okay as long as you're not loud or disrespectful. Also in the field is the cemetery where Andrew and Betsy Wyeth are prominently resting - towards the water in the rear there's a headstone for Christina and her brother Alvero. There are several markers around the property identifying points of interest as well as color and restoration studies. I also spied some hops growing between the main building and boat house (I believe it's the kitchen) - I'm betting that at some point there was some homebrew being made, possibly by Alvero. In all, a great place to visit, especially prior to going to the Farnsworth as it provides a lot of context. Kudos to the museum for preserving this property! read more

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Our morning on the Wyeth Experience tour was well worth $50. Six of us began the tour with Nancy at the Farnsworth and got background on several paintings by the three Wyeths. Then a half hour van ride driven by delightful David to the Olson House while Nancy shaed stories en route. Throughout the tour Nancy overflowed with history and stories gleaned from 30 years working at Olson House. The spare house is a wonder, and we loved wandering through each room with its beautiful light, all three floors. we even jogged down to the little cemetery where Andrew, Christina Olson, and others are buried. read more

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