Community News

Ninth annual Art Honors at MECA

	Robert Indiana signing programs for the young women from Julia's Gallery who were also honored at the ceremony.

More than 400 people attended Maine College of Art's ninth annual Art Honors celebration on May 6. The event celebrated arts excellence, leadership and education, and raised nearly $80,000 in support of youth programming.

As Maine's premier celebration of excellence in the arts, Art Honors is an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary activities and individuals in the arts sector. Achievement as a Visual Artist went to pop-artist Robert Indiana of Vinalhaven. The award was presented by Bret Waller, director emeritus of Indianapolis Museum of Art.

The Maine Community Foundation, which has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to arts and cultural organizations through endowed and advised funds, was recognized in the category of Leadership in Arts Philanthropy. The honor was presented by Allen Fernald, president and CEO of Down East Enterprises.

Julia's Gallery for Young Artists at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland received the award for Leadership in Arts Education for their innovative approach of allowing teens to manage all aspects of the gallery, from the creation of art to the curating, framing and hanging. Jamie Wyeth presented the award to Julia's Gallery.

The Bachelor of Fine Art Thesis Index Exhibition for the 2004 graduates was on display for the cocktail reception at the college's Institute of Contemporary Art. The gala also provided a chance to showcase the talents of other Maine College of Art students, who created President Christine Vincent's couture for the evening, as well as a video presentation and the art on the tables.

Proceeds from the gala support the college's work developing the artistic talent of young people. Programs for youth include Scholastic Art Awards, Early College, New England Portfolio Days, Institute for Contemporary Art's Young Arts and Creative Community Partnerships.