Crow Town Gallery, Lubec, Maine
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, our Undiscovered Maine team had the privilege of touring Crow Town Gallery thanks to the generosity of artist and gallery owner Shanna Wheelock. The gallery itself is a remarkable space, but what truly captivated us was the story behind it—a story of adventure, reinvention, and a deep connection to Lubec’s history and spirit.
In 2001, Shanna’s life took an unexpected turn. Her husband at the time surprised her with an unusual gift from his grandfather: a photograph of a house in Lubec, Maine, an address scribbled on the back, and a key. She had never seen the town, never visited the house, and knew little about this remote corner of the country. Yet the possibility of a new beginning was impossible to ignore.
Just three weeks later, they packed up their car in Tennessee and headed north.
The moment she arrived in Lubec, Shanna knew she had found something special. Drawn to the town’s rugged coastal beauty, welcoming residents, and slower pace of life, she quickly became part of the community. She taught school locally, ran her studio and shop in her barn in north Lubec for many years, and then opened a studio on Main Street for a few years. She attended town meetings, served on committees, and immersed herself in the town’s civic life. Over two decades later, her commitment to Lubec remains as strong as ever.
Eventually, Shanna purchased the building that now houses Crow Town Gallery. Looking out the gallery’s back windows, it’s easy to understand where much of her inspiration comes from. The sweeping views of the bay provide a stunning backdrop and a constant reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds the town.
Crow Town Gallery is more than an exhibition space—it’s a collaborative home for artists whose work reflects the culture, history, and character of this unique coastal community. Paintings, pottery, prints, and other artistic expressions come together to tell the story of a place shaped by both nature and generations of hardworking people.
Shanna’s art is magnificent. She creates a wide variety of pottery, paintings, and other art forms ranging from simple to ornate and exquisite. It is difficult to articulate their beauty and uniqueness, but you can see the influence of history and culture in each distinctive piece. The pictures shown here do not do them justice, so you should stop in to see for yourself!
That story is deeply rooted in Lubec’s maritime past.
From the late 1700s through the 1800s, Lubec flourished as a center for smoked herring production. In the late 19th century, a thriving sardine industry emerged, bringing jobs and prosperity to the town. At its peak, Lubec’s waterfront was crowded with 30 smokehouses and 23 sardine-packing plants. The canning factories remained a vital part of the local economy until the years following World War II, when the industry began a long decline.
By 1976, only two factories remained in operation: R.J. Peacock Canning Company and Booth Fisheries. The final chapter closed in September 2001, when Connor Brothers—the last sardine factory in Lubec—shut its doors.
Today, much of that industrial landscape has disappeared. One of the few remaining reminders is the on Water Street, which preserves and shares the history of the fishing, smoking, and canning industries that once defined the town.
For Shanna, the remnants of this history are more than artifacts. They are a source of profound artistic inspiration. As she explains, “My connection to the sardine factory ruins inhabits a deep space in my soul.” The abandoned structures, the stories of the workers, and the legacy of the waterfront continue to influence her work in powerful ways.
If you find yourself in Lubec, make time to visit Crow Town Gallery. You’ll discover not only Shanna’s compelling artwork but also the creations of fellow artists inspired by this extraordinary place. It’s a chance to experience the beauty, history, and creative spirit that make Lubec unlike anywhere else.
Crow Town Gallery
406 S. Lubec Road
Lubec, Maine 04652
(207) 904-9169
shanna@shannawheelock.com