As Portland’s hospitality scene continues to evolve, one beloved West End property is entering a new era without losing sight of the artistic spirit that made it memorable in the first place. This spring, The West End Collection unveiled a year-long renovation of the former Pomegranate Inn, pairing elevated boutique accommodations with a new partnership alongside waterfront gallery Casco Bay Artisans.
The collaboration transforms the Neal and Pine Street properties into what owners are calling a “living gallery,” where museum-quality contemporary artwork fills guest suites and common spaces, blurring the line between hospitality and art experience.
For Jennifer Swarts, owner of Casco Bay Artisans, the partnership felt like a natural fit for Portland, a place where creativity and community often intersect in unexpected ways. “The arts brought our two businesses together,” Swarts says, explaining that the collaboration began through a connection made by gallery manager Jess Lauren while serving on the Portland Museum of Art Contemporaries Steering Committee.
Rather than treating artwork as simple decor, the goal was to create an immersive experience that encourages guests to live with the art during their stay. According to Swarts, there’s something transformative about encountering contemporary work outside the traditional white-wall gallery setting. “Great art stops you in your tracks,” she says. “When you actually live with it for a few days in the beautiful West End Collection Inns, you start seeing it as part of your daily life.”
That philosophy shaped the curation process throughout the renovated properties. Swarts and her team worked closely with owner Stephen Simonds and staff members to capture what she describes as the “vibes of Portland and Maine” through art that feels locally grounded and globally inspired. The resulting spaces pair contemporary seascapes, regional imagery, and international works with the restored historic character of the buildings themselves. Guest rooms now feature premium finishes and modern comforts while maintaining the architectural charm longtime Portlanders remember from the property’s previous life.
For travelers, the experience offers more than just a stylish place to stay. Every piece of artwork throughout the inns is available for purchase, giving visitors the opportunity to bring home a tangible reminder of their time in Portland. “We want them to fall in love with the Inns, the art, the imagery, and the techniques as much as we are,” Swarts says. “Our art should bring you joy, inspire your mind, and refresh your soul.”
The project also arrives at a meaningful moment for Casco Bay Artisans, which is celebrating 15 years in Portland this year. Swarts sees the collaboration as an opportunity to introduce more people to collecting contemporary art while expanding the gallery’s role within the local community. “Our longevity speaks to our artists and collectors,” she says. “We are happy to share our collection with broader audiences at the beautiful West End Collection properties, and we hope the works inspire even more people to start their own art collections.”