The Art in the Capitol program features work throughout the Capitol Complex and offers Maine artists an additional venue for their work. It is designed to expand the audience for Maine artists or artists working in Maine on Maine-based themes.
All Art in the Capitol exhibits are free and open to the public. Exhibitions are self-guided and may be viewed during the building hours where the exhibition is on display.
Building hours:
| Maine Arts Commission Office: | Capitol and Burton M. Cross Buildings: |
| 8:30am - 4:30pm, Mon - Fri | 8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri |
For more information about Art in the Capitol, contact Danielle Moriarty, Program Director at vog.eniam@ytrairom.elleinad
Women of Integrity is an expansive and deeply personal portrait series that honors the lives and labor of women working across Maine’s institutional and community settings. The collection pairs gestural figure studies and portraits with oral interviews recorded by each subject, raising the central question: “How do we acknowledge women’s seen, unseen, and often undercompensated labor in the workplace, communities, and families?”
Libby’s drawings seek to make that labor visible—amplifying the voices, contributions, and creative resilience of women who strengthen Maine’s communities every day.
“Drawing is where I feel most myself, and I have worked at its practice for over forty years,” Libby says. “It is cheap, accessible, and portable, instantly available as a way to absorb and really see what is around us.” In recent years, Libby has shifted to drawing with her non-dominant left hand to relieve arthritic pain and embrace a freer, more expressive style. “I now prefer its unexpected freshness; the slightly crude and less controlled marks seem stronger and more clearly the work of a human hand.”
Based in Maine, Maggie Libby is known for blending artistic practice with social history and community storytelling. Her work invites viewers to engage more deeply with questions of presence, power, and cultural memory.
An artist talk and public reception for Women of Integrity will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the State House Gallery. The Art in the Capitol program is an initiative of the Maine Arts Commission that brings the work of Maine artists into public view throughout the Capitol Complex. All exhibitions are free and open to the public during normal State House business hours.
The Employee Art Show is a celebration of creativity, community, and public service come together in a powerful and uplifting way. It offers a unique glimpse into the creative lives of Maine’s public servants—from seasoned artists to first-time exhibitors.
Showcasing original artwork by State of Maine employees and their families representing a wide range of artistic mediums—from painting and photography to sculpture and craft, this exhibition is designed to give artists at all skill levels a unique opportunity to exhibit their creative work.
This show is more than an art exhibition—it’s a platform that values the full identities of those who serve Maine through public work. By offering a space for expression and visibility, we affirm that creativity is an essential part of community and civic life. It highlights the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of individuals across departments and disciplines, from environmental protection to education to transportation.
A panel of guest judges will present awards in a variety of categories, and cash prizes will be distributed in partnership with the Maine Craft Association and the National Arts Program®.
Prizes to be awarded include:
- Adult, Amateur, Intermediate and Professional: First Place Awards of $350; Second Place Awards of $250; and Third Place Awards of $150
- Youth / Teen: First Place Awards of $150; Second Place Awards of $100; and Third Place Awards of $50
- A Best of Show Award of $400
- An Art Education Award of $200 for reimbursement for arts instruction and materials
Additional awards including Honorable Mentions will be awarded at the discretion of the judges.
Visitors are invited to join the Maine Arts Commission for a special celebration of all this year’s participants and to see the winning artwork on Thursday, October 23 at 3:00 PM in the Burton M. Cross Building in room 208.
The work will be on display from August 1 through October 24, and is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the second floor of the Cross Building, located at 111 Sewall Street, Augusta.
This exhibition is made possible through the continued partnership with the National Arts Program®, which helps make participation free and accessible, and awards cash prizes across skill and age categories. It is an important reminder that when we invest in creativity, we build a more connected, inspired, and human-centered government.
