Art in the Capitol

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 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; Capitol and Burton M. Cross Buildings 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information about Art in the Capitol, contact Julie Horn, Visual Arts Director at vog.eniam@nroh.eiluj.

CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY

Showcasing Maine Veterans | September - December

The Maine Arts Commission is proud to present an exhibition of Maine veteran’s artwork in partnership with The VA Maine Healthcare Systems-Togus. The 39 pieces on display were created by veteran Maine artisrts and can be viewed throughout the Capitol Complex, hanging predominantly in the Burton M. Cross Building.

This exhibit serves to recognize Veteran’s service, showcase their art and encourage them to pursue their passion. We hope every veteran feels he or she has a place to promote their art, no matter their skill level or their passion. 

Rockets Red Glare

"As a terminal cancer patient, creating art is extremely important for my attitude. It keeps me in a positive frame of mind. Creativity is my savior." - Jim Bazin

Poseidon's Grecian Vase

"It is a form of expression. It's like a window you can open to be anywhere you would like."- . Michael Christopher Lee

Pondering the Future

"Wildlife photography gives me the opportunity to be outside with nature." - Sandy Flint

Volcanic Eddy

"Making work together."- Bangor Vet Center

Dew Drop

"It's my lifeblood. I need it to create, ponder, reflect, and then share."- Tim Byrne

Mt. Katadin

"Staring at 80 years young I find creating art a satisfying endeavor. I push the brush but it's God's hands."- Ernest DeRaps

Foggy Day- West Quoddy State Park

"My art helps me relax and put things in perspective." - Jeremy Drews

Overachiever (sunflowers)

"I love finding interesting scenes on my adventures. When I take the photo, I have a reminder of my adventure."- Daphne Booth

My Generation

"It's my lifeblood. I need it to create, ponder, reflect and then share."- Tim Byrne

Aroostook County

"I have always loved hiking and camping in the forest. The marriage of my respect and appreciation of the Maine woods and the ability to create artwork from the trees that grow there is deeply satisfying and fulfilling." - Eddie Harrow

Dreamcatcher snowshoes

"By putting a piece of rawhide and two sticks together, you get transportation. We call our snowshoes usable art. Over 50 years of making traditional snowshoes."  - Edmond Theriault, 

Scheherazade's Cats

"Mixed media is fun, quirky and pretty fun to work. Art is my passion and therapy all in one." - Lesley Corbett

Cabbage Island

Art has been a great escape. It is easy to get lost in the detail - a great distraction." - Coral Ouellette

MA AT LXX

"It is liberating to create art. It is almost a primordial urge to create." - Michael Tilbury

Big Blue

"It is the moment of making and creating from my mind to my hand that releases ideas onto the material I choose to work with." - Deborah A. Loughlin

Country Road

- Cassie Sano

Retired Car

Coral Ouellette

 

If Interested in buying the art, please contact Courtney Oliver at vog.av@revilO.yentruoC | Click HERE for a complete list of the artists and works on exhibit. 

Abstract series by Michel Droge

Presenting the color attentive work of Maine painter Michel Droge as a part of the Art in the Capitol program at State House Capitol Complex. This abstract body of work is on display on the ground floor of the Maine State House from September through December 30, 2019.

 

Michel Droge is a painter, printmaker, and an educator who resides in Portland, Maine. She creates works that employ the sociology of both humans and environmental ecosystems alike. When describing her works, the artists states “They embrace a layering of scientific research with inspiration from literary and poetic sources. The results are colorful atmospheric landscapes.” The current body of work in the State House draws inspiration from Mythology to the present day cultural and ecological exploitation on environmental and social ecosystems. Learn more here>

Recent Exhibitions:

The Laws of Nature watercolor series by Katharine Cartwright

The Laws of Nature exhibition is a selection of 18 watercolors inspired by Cartwright’s life as both artist and scientist. Cartwright is an internationally recognized artist whose paintings are included in over one hundred private and corporate collections. 

  

The Laws of Nature series has earned Cartwright international acclaim, with several of the paintings touring in China for two years as well as notable arts venues around the United States. Cartwright’s works also appear in publications such as A Walk into Abstracts, Best of America Watermedia Artists, and Professional Artist Magazine. Most recently, one was featured as a full-page in the journal American Scientist. Learn more here>

Coastal Waters by Christopher O'Connor

Now exhibiting the work of international painter Christopher O’Connor as part of a selection of 22 paintings from his series “Coastal Waters.” O'Connor  explores the subject of Maine’s rugged coastline on various size canvases through the use of vibrant coloring and rigorously constructed compositions.
O’Connor’s work will be on display as a free exhibit through April 31, 2019 in the Maine State House. Works are available to purchase. Learn more here>

Calendar

Tue, Jan 21   Portland, ME
Zhiwan Cheung: Artist Lecture View »
Fri, Jan 24   Rockport, ME
Palaver Strings: On the Nature of Daylight View »
Fri, Jan 24 - Sun, Feb 2   Lewiston , ME
Sexy Laundry View »
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Maine Arts Commission News

Maine Arts Commission presents new student exhibition at State Capitol Complex View »
UMF Emery Community Arts Center showcases “Art Madness” exhibit by local elementary students View »
Maine Bicentennial Community Grant Recipients View »
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Press Release

Donut 2020 View »
UMF Emery Community Arts Center presents “VOYAGER: Migrational Narratives,” exhibit, Jan. 30–March 6 View »
National Endowment for the Arts Announces Arts Project Grants in All 50 States View »
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