Celebrating Creativity: Maine Employee Art Exhibition

The halls and legislative chambers of the Burton M. Cross Building in Augusta were transformed into a vibrant gallery during the Maine Employee Art Exhibition Artist Reception, where friends, families, and art enthusiasts gathered to celebrate creativity, connection, and community.

Typically the setting for policy debates and state business, the Cross Building came alive with color and imagination as employees from across Maine’s government workforce showcased their artistic talents. The energy in the room reflected not only pride in the work displayed, but also a shared appreciation for the creativity that thrives within our public institutions.

We are proud to share that Maine ranks second in the nation for creative participation, with an incredible 71% of Mainers creating, crafting, performing, and engaging in the arts. This is well above the national average of 52%. That creative spirit was on full display throughout the exhibition, from paintings and photography to sculpture, fiber art, and mixed media pieces.

This year’s show was a powerful reminder that creativity is everywhere, at every desk, in every department, and in every community across the state. Each artwork reflected the unique perspectives and talents of Maine’s public employees, underscoring how art strengthens connection, inspires collaboration, and enriches the workplace.

Congratulations to all the award winners and to every artist who contributed to this inspiring exhibition. Your work reminds us that the arts are not separate from the work of governance; they are essential to how we see, understand, and serve one another.

We will be featuring select artworks and artist spotlights here in the coming weeks on our social media pages, but for now, we are proud to share the full list of this year’s honorees below.

2025 Maine Employee Art Exhibition Award Winners

YOUTH (12 & Under):
$150 - First Place: Hazel McLeod, Pink Eyed Monster
$100 - Second Place: Emily Bulay, Color
$50 - Third Place: Julia Schweier, EcoWarriors
Honorable Mentions:
Nyla Bashir, The Clearing
Dexter Quintal, Dennis

TEEN (13 – 18):
$150 - First Place: Emma Barry-Spaulding, Missy & Tashka
$100 - Second Place: Lance Shaw, Shark Finning
$50 - Third Place: Isabella McGowen, Griffin of Courage
Honorable Mentions:
Oliver LeBeau, Whale
Delaney Rice, Weary
Ashia Keith, Old Fashion Selfie
Alivia Merrill, Gray Muzzle, Golden Heart
Art Education Award:
$200 - Parker Russell, Double Whammy

Parker Russell, posting with Double Whammy

PROFESSIONAL:
$350 - First Place: Natalie Nelson, Amphibious Love
$250 - Second Place: Melissa Fyler, Untitled Portrait of Woman in Green
$150 - Third Place: Jonathan Leach, Peace in a Pod
Honorable Mentions:
Jo Ann Bianchi, Rough Seas
Michael Branca, Food Chain
Kat Miller, Double Bison

Natalie Nelson, posing with Amphibious Love

INTERMEDIATE:
$350 - First Place: Taylor Maguire, Market (Cambodia)
$250 - Second Place: Eli Hutton, Portrait with Horn
$150 - Third Place: Scott Hunter, Ally, Portrait of Artist's Daughter
Honorable Mentions:
Anna Morin, Something in Headlights
Sarah Duggan, Nature All Around

Taylor Maguire, posing with Market (Cambodia)

AMATEUR:
$350 - First Place: Charles Fyler, Blacksmithing Apron
$250 - Second Place: J.Chris Parr, Raging Bullfrog
$150 - Third Place: Christopher Crowley, 4 Elements
Honorable Mentions:
Holly Fields, Whimsical Hat

BEST IN SHOW:
$400 – Kelli Burnham, Ragnarok

Ragnarok, 24 x 28, Fiber craft, 2024