Public Art - Arts in the Capitol

Arts in the Capitol

The Arts in the Capitol program provides the people of Maine-citizens, state workers and state lawmakers-with a unique offering of art exhibits in Maine's Capitol complex. Work is displayed in the Governor's gallery, the Blaine House, the Maine State House and the offices of the Maine Arts Commission.

Locations of below exhibit: Maine State House, Blaine House and Maine Arts Commission.

April through May, 2009

The Equinox Petroglyph Project; Interpretations by Women and Children

The Equinox Petroglyph exhibit features works from 22 women artists, native and non-native, and over 30 Passamaquoddy children. The exhibition is the result of an effort to make more people aware of the rich history of Downeast Maine. The work by adult artists is displayed at in the Capitol, at the Blaine House and in the Maine Arts Commission offices. The children’s work is displayed at the Maine Museum.

The works in this exhibition are only a portion of the collection which includes paintings, drawings, printmaking, beadwork, basketry, hand-made drums, photography, wool felting, poetry, essays, short stories and original musical compositions. Over 100 works have been created through the Equinox Project.


	"Sweat Lodge" by Hazel Carter

Long before the Europeans came to the Americas, Machias Bay was the summer home of the easternmost tribes of what is known today as the Algonquin Nation. Shaman of the Tribes carved images into stone ledges portraying the daily life of hunters and gatherers and inspiration from the Great Spirit. These petroglyphs survive today, many estimated to be over 3,000 years old. However, the petroglyphs are disappearing due to erosion, rising waters, acid rain and pollution. The non-profit organization, The Maluhsi-Hikon Petroglyph Foundation, was formed to preserve the history of these symbols through conservation, research and educational outreach. The Maluhsi-Hikon Petroglyph Foundation hopes to eventually build a public educational center to facilitate further study of the petroglyphs and the Passamaquoddy culture.

“The Tribes had a matriarchal tradition before European influences were felt. We thought it was an appropriate time to seek out women and children to bring their perceptions and impressions of the stories told in stone.” Stephanie Francis, exhibition curator.


	"The Ledges on the Equinox" by Romantha Burow

Works in this exhibition are generously loaned to the Art in the Capitol Program from The The Maluhsi-Hikon Petroglyph Foundation. The Exhibition is planned to travel throughout Maine and other parts of the United States over three years. It has been exhibited at University of Maine at Machias, the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor and will go on to the Tides Institute from September 18th through October 11th, 2009. To learn more about the Project please go to the web site at http://equinoxpetroglyphproject.com/index.html.

Locations and hours of operation

All Arts in the Capitol events are free and open to the public. The works are installed in offices of state employees and require some flexibility on the part of visitors and respect for those working in these offices during the time of a visit. At times, exhibitions may not be accessible due to meetings. Visitors with special needs are encouraged to call ahead to make sure your visit is as enjoyable as possible.

Exhibitions are self-guided and may be visited within the prescribed times:

Maine Arts Commission Office 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Maine State House 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Blaine House 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (please call ahead at 207/287-2121)

Archive of past Arts in the Capitol shows

January through April, 2009: Dennis Pinette (47 kb .PDF)

June through mid-November, 2008: Katahdin Lake (55 kb .PDF)

April through mid-June, 2008: Revisioning Portland (49 kb .PDF)

Mid-January through early-April, 2008: Biting and Scratching (59 kb .PDF)

September through mid-December, 2007: Bernard Langlais (63 kb .PDF)

Arts in the Capitol project staff

Alison Ferris, Assistant Director, Maine Arts Commission, 207/287-2710, alison.ferris@maine.gov

Sue Plummer, Special Assistant, Blaine House, 207/287-2121, sue.plummer@maine.gov