Story

Frontier Studios was inspired by Michael Gilroy's travels as an expedition leader around the world. Gilroy's passion for connecting people with experiences that provoke a sense of discovery led to the creation of a meeting place reminiscent of a traveler's crossroads—where stories, ideas, and culture intersect.  For 18 years, that crossroads centered around Frontier Café , Cinema & Gallery*, a food, arts, and cultural destination in Brunswick, Maine, featuring a full-service restaurant & bar, café, cinema, gallery, and event venue.

For nearly two decades Frontier produced many food, art, and cultural programs produced in collaboration with many talented artists, makers, and creators. Programs ranged from exhibiting artwork of elementary school kids to award-winning National Geographic photographers; from screening the works of first-time filmmakers to Oscar-winning films and global film festivals; from hosting Governors to Grammy award-winning musicians. 

Frontier Studios was established as a vehicle to help produce these programs, and to incubate and launch more expansive mission-driven projects, such as TEDxDirigo, the first TEDx event in Maine; Sound Bites, a Moth-inspired storytelling series; and To the Top, a foundation working to increase access to outdoor adventure and experiential education for young adults. Frontier Studios is currently active in the development, RePlay, a project empowering young athletes to connect globally through the shared love of sport.  

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* Frontier sold the restaurant & bar, and event venue to a new operator, who continues to bring the community together Dutchman’s Wood Fired Bagels, Paolo’s Italian Restaurant, as well as hosting community events.