Winners Announced in Inaugural State of Maine Employee Art Exhibition

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Arts Commission is excited to unveil the winners of the inaugural State of Maine Employee Art Exhibition. The exhibition, titled "Showcasing the Artist Within," proudly presents 136 diverse artworks, providing artists of all skill levels a platform to exhibit their creative prowess.

Presented in collaboration with the National Arts Program (NAP) and supported by the Maine Arts Commission, this unique showcase celebrates the artistic endeavors of State of Maine employees and their immediate family members.

The curated selection of artworks will be on display at the Burton M. Cross Office Building, second floor, from July 10 to October 31, 2023.

 Join us for the awards reception on August 29, 1 p.m., at the Burton M. Cross Building in room 209. 

<CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE ENTRIES FROM THE EMPLOYEE ART EXHIBITION>

2023 National Arts Program Award Winners 

YOUTH (12 & Under): 

🏆First Place: Jessica Loiselle, White-Cheeked Pintail 

TEEN (13 – 18):  

🏆First Place: Green Harrington, Industrial Future 

PROFESSIONAL: 

🏆First Place: Cassie Bouton, Sardines in Mustard 

INTERMEDIATE:  

🏆First Place: Thomas Hudson, Big Man, The Miniature Horse 

🏆First Place: Brian Welch, Creepshow 

🏆BEST IN SHOW🏆: 

🏆 Dave Dostie, The Cobbler 

The Art in the Capitol program exhibits a wide array of work throughout the Capitol Complex, highlighting the artistic and cultural diversity found throughout the state of Maine. 

We extend our gratitude to our 2023 jurors:

• Amy Rahn, Teacher, Curator, and Scholar of American Modern and Contemporary Art
• Dana Wieluns Legawiec, Ed.M, Executive Director for Maine Alliance for Arts Education
• Jeanne Marie Coleman, Award-Winning Photographer from Palermo, Maine

The Art in the Capitol program proudly showcases a diverse array of artwork throughout the Capitol Complex, reflecting the rich artistic and cultural tapestry of Maine. All exhibitions are open to the public and can be viewed during building hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

For more information about the Maine Arts Commission's Art in the Capitol program, please visit mainearts.maine.gov.

About the NAP:

For over three decades, the National Arts Program (NAP) has championed the creative expression of employees and their families, fostering pride, connection, and affirmation through art. The NAP empowers artists of all backgrounds and skill levels, providing resources, funding, and recognition to transform spaces and lives through the power of creativity.

By partnering with venues nationwide, the NAP creates workplace exhibitions that honor individual creativity. The NAP encourages employees to share their artistic selves, offering a space to reveal their talents and passions. To learn more about the NAP and its transformative mission, visit www.nationalartsprogram.org.