50 Years of Common Ground: Common Ground Country Fair Poster Exhibition 

A Visual History of Maine’s Organic Movement 

January 30, 2026 — The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is celebrating the 50th annual Common Ground Country Fair this year, with a number of events including a poster exhibition titled, “50 Years of Common Ground.” The exhibition will be held at the Maine State House in Augusta, May 1 through August 30, and at Waterville Creates in Waterville, September 4 through 30, in partnership with the Maine Arts Commission and Waterville Creates. 

For five decades, the fair has been more than an annual event, it has been a gathering place rooted in organic agriculture, food justice, environmental stewardship, and the belief that communities can shape healthier futures together. The fair’s posters are among the most visible and enduring expressions of that collaborative work. Seen together, they offer a visual and cultural history of Maine’s organic movement and the shared values that have guided it. 

“Since the earliest years, Common Ground Country Fair posters have been more than just beautiful designs,” says April Boucher, Common Ground Country Fair director. “They are a representation of our shared vision for sustainable living.” 

The posters reflect MOFGA’s commitment to healthy soil stewardship, respect for farmers, finding creative solutions, cultivating joy, and the importance of building community. As environmental concerns have intensified and new generations join the movement, the posters remain grounded in a consistent vision of sustainable living through organic agriculture. Many of the artists who design these posters are farmers, activists, or craftspeople, and are deeply connected to the wider MOFGA community. 

An accompanying exhibition booklet expands on the themes of “50 Years of Common Ground,” featuring extended interpretive text and historic images drawn from MOFGA’s archives. Designed as a lasting record of the exhibition, the publication brings together all 50 posters and deepens the story of the Fair as a cultural and community movement. 

Both exhibition locations are free and open to the public. Exhibition booklets will include reproductions of each poster, and will be for sale in Waterville, at the fair, and on MOFGA’s website (store.mofga.org). 

The 50th annual fair will be held September 25, 26, and 27 in Unity, Maine. With five decades of sharing MOFGA’s commitment to organic farming and gardening, the fair aims to inspire the wider community to continue to build common ground. Visit mofga.org/the-fair for more information. 

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. MOFGA’s vision is a future where local organic farming nourishes all people, and sustains thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and fair economies. We accomplish this through our mission to transform our food system by supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future. Learn more at mofga.org.