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The First Lady of Maine, Karen M. Baldacci, in coordination with the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Alliance for Arts Education, and Maine Art Education Association, presents

Maine Youth Excellence in Art:
A program that celebrates the work of Maine’s student artists.

In 2004, First Lady Karen Baldacci led efforts to create a program that celebrates student art from across Maine. This initiative, the Maine Youth Excellence In Art (MYEIA) invites students and art instructors from across the state to submit art pieces to be displayed in the Capitol complex. Over a three-year period, every school in Maine will have an opportunity to submit one piece of two-dimensional art, including prints, paintings, drawings, and photographs. The artwork will be displayed at the State House, the Blaine House, the Burton M. Cross Office Building, and the Maine Cultural Building.

	First Lady Karen Baldacci presents an award to Taylor Gagnon, one of the students whose work has been displayed in the capitol.

Recognizing the immense value that the arts bring to our communities, Mrs. Baldacci expressed that, “It’s important to teach children to not only appreciate the arts as an enjoyable activity, but to foster an understanding of the benefits that the arts can bring to the public throughout their lives.” Students whose art is selected for display receive a certificate from First Lady Baldacci during a ceremony and tea reception at Blaine House.

Since the project’s inception, hundreds of students have had their art displayed in the Blaine House, Maine State House, Maine Arts Commission State Street Gallery, the Burton M. Cross Office Building, and the Maine State Library. First Lady Baldacci noted, “There is an immense amount of talent in our schools and showcasing student art is a wonderful way to create a vibrant space for our citizens and visitors to enjoy.” For a complete list of the student art on display, along with information on where and when to visit, please view the exhibit list.

This project made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors: MBNA New England, LL Bean, MainelyKids.com, National Semiconductor, People’s Heritage Bank, Lisa and Leon Gorman, Welch Architectural Signage, Bangor Savings Bank.

These exhibitions are a component of the Maine Arts Commission’s ongoing Arts in Education program. For more information, including detailed submission guidelines and exhibition schedule, please contact Paul Faria at the Maine Arts Commission, 207/287-2790 or paul.faria@maine.gov.

All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

                                                                              ~Pablo Picasso