Maine Arts Commission | Call for Student Art 

The Maine Arts Commission is issuing a call for student art for inclusion in the Winter 2019-2020 Maine Excellence in Art Exhibition at the State Capitol Complex in Augusta. Art teachers from public, private and parochial schools in Maine are invited to submit one piece of two-dimensional artwork that represents artistic excellence from a K-12 student. Selected works will hang in various locations including the State House, the Cross Office Building (second floor), and the office of the Maine Arts Commission from December 2019 - April 2020. In March 2020, during National Youth Art Month, all selected artists, their families and submitting teachers will be invited to a celebration of Young Artists where they will receive recognition for their artistic achievements.

Dates to Remember:

Process:

One piece of 2-D artwork may be submitted per school. Each school should have one designated teacher to submit the chosen artwork for that school. The program will exhibit approximately forty-five student works from around the state. Selection will be made on a first come, first served basis per Superintendent Region*. Five pieces of work will be accepted from each of the nine Superintendent Regions. The regions are as follows:

Aroostook

Cumberland County

Hancock County

Kennebec County

Mid Coast

Penquis

Washington County

Western Maine

York County 

If you are unsure of which region your school is located in, please see the attached document Index of MSBA School Districts by Region, (or find it at this link: https://www.msmaweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MSBA-LIST-OF-DISTRICTS-BY-REGION-5-30-18.pdf)

To Apply:

Please let us know as soon as possible that you will have work prepared to be in the exhibition.  Slots fill up! 

Apply Here Now!

Artist Statement:

Once a young artist’s work is selected, we will ask the submitting teacher to provide a brief (one sentence) statement/quote from the student about their thoughts either toward making art in general, or about the specific piece that they are entering. These statements will be printed on each artwork’s label for the public to read. We believe this added element will assist in enlightening the audience about the essential need for art making in providing young people with a comprehensive learning experience. 

Important:

Only two-dimensional artwork will be accepted. Submitted art work must fit the maximum dimension of 18” x 24.” When submitting smaller artwork, it must be mounted on an 18” x 24” mat or poster board. There is a combined maximum thickness of 3/16’’ for artwork and mat together. The artwork can be exhibited vertically or horizontally (please indicate) and will be placed in pre-existing frames. Artwork submitted that does not fulfill these size requirements will be considered ineligible. All artwork must be labeled on the back with the student’s name, school, and grade. Please do not send artwork in cylinders or mailing tubes.          

For more information or questions please contact the Interim Director of Arts Education for the Maine Arts Commission, martha.piscuskas@maine.gov, 207/287-2713, or visit our website at www.mainearts.maine.gov .