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

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

Recent Exhibitions:

Maine Veteran Artists - On display through November 2018

Artwork by Maine veterans is proudly on display in a free, public exhibition that runs through November throughout the state capitol complex. Approximately 40 art works by 39 artists, a majority of which are hanging in the Burton M. Cross building, are presented by the Maine Arts Commission in partnership with the VA Maine Healthcare Systems of Togus. 

 Visitors, state employees, and legislators are encouraged to view the Veterans Art in the Capitol exhibition during normal building hours. Each piece of art is accompanied by an artist statement that includes quotes and stories about how art plays a key role in the quality of life for many Maine veterans.

EVENT DETAILS: In addition to honoring the Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Appreciation Day, designated by the Maine state legislature as November 1 every year, the Maine Arts Commission is hosting a special celebration for veterans on November 30, 2018, the final day of the exhibition, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maine State House in the Hall of Flags. This event is also free and open to the public.  Learn more here>

Stunning Photographic Still Lifes by Lynn Karlin- on display at Maine State House through Dec. 2018 

Maine photographer Lynn Karlin is currently on display for the Art in the Capitol program in Augusta. The selection of 19 images from Karlin’s “The Pedestal Series” will be on display as a free exhibit, open to the public from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, in the Maine State Capitol Complex from September 1 – December 31, 2018.

 “The Pedestal Series” illuminates food in still-life compositions that at times expand past the pictorial frame. Karlin’s food assemblies use striking design elements as the artist carefully considers and chooses form, texture, patina and color. She uses only natural light for her photographs, giving her work a more painterly than photographic aesthetic, inspired by works of 17th century Dutch master painters.

Lynn Karlin lives in Belfast and specializes in photographing gardens, interiors, and food for nationally recognized magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens and This Old House. She is a graduate of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and has received many noted awards including Outstanding Achievement in Still Life and Best in Show at the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins, CO.

The works in this Art in the Capitol show, which can be viewed as a free, self-guided exhibition, are located on both the ground floor and second floor of the State House and are available to purchase. Learn more here>

Please click here to view past exhibitions.