Art in the Capitol

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

Art in the Capitol Guidelines

For more information about Art in the Capitol, contact Danielle Moriarty, Program Director at vog.eniam@ytrairom.elleinad

 

CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY:

 

The latest exhibit at the State House Gallery is a collection of vibrant, color photographic portraits of Black Mainers of all ages. Erin Moore, named Maine's 2018 Portrait Photographer of the Year by the Maine Professional Photographers Association, was inspired by a museum exhibit. Or what was not on display. In her artist statement, she says, “In 2019, while walking through the Portland (Maine) Museum of Art I noted there wasn't any representation of black people throughout the museum.”* She noticed this in other prominent museums around the country. Later that year, she “soaked in” an exhibit in Philadelphia entitled 30 Americans, showcasing work of 30 African American artists. Raising a multi-cultural family, she was motivated to act. “At that moment I vowed to create a body of work that I could exhibit.” Each portrait shares the name and description of the subject. The exhibit will be on display in the Capitol building through April, 2024. Erin Moore holds a master’s degree in human resources, and founded and leads Mercy Street Studio, the largest portrait photography studio in Southern Maine.

*The Portland Museum of Art has made a commitment to diversify their collections, exhibitions, and accessibility. See www.portlandmuseum.org/art-for-all

Art in the Capitol:

This exhibition is organized through the Maine Arts Commission, a state agency responsible for strengthening the arts in Maine. 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 business hours.

 

 

This exhibition provides an exceptional platform for Maine Veterans to showcase their artistic talents and share their experiences with the broader community. The art will be accessible to all during regular business hours.

Maine Veterans were invited through an open call to submit up to two pieces of two-dimensional artwork. This resulted in 39 individual artists contributing 45 unique works to be prominently displayed at the State Capitol Complex, including the Burton Cross Office Building (second floor), and at 193 State Street, home to the Maine Arts Commission.

In commemoration of National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, a celebratory ceremony will be held at the State House Hall of Flags on November 9th. This ceremony will include speeches and a presentation of custom-made Quilts of Valor to 18 new veteran artists participating in the exhibition. To mark this occasion, the Maine Arts Commission has partnered with the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, Togus, The Bangor & Lewiston Vet Centers, USM systems veteran services, The Peace Gallery of Damariscotta, Maine Corrections, and the Quilts of Valor Foundation.

 

For more information on any of the exhibit contact Khristina Kurasz

Previous Exhibitions