The Maine Arts Commission, in partnership with the First Lady of Maine Ann LePage, is issuing a call for student art for inclusion in the spring 2014 Maine Youth Excellence in Art exhibition in Augusta.
Art teachers from public, private and parochial schools in Maine are invited to submit two-dimensional artwork that represents artistic excellence from a K-12 student. Approximately 45 selected works will hang for several months in various Augusta locations, including the State House, Cross Office Building, the Blaine House and the office of the Maine Arts Commission. Selected artists, their families and submitting teachers will also be invited to an opening reception at the Blaine House, hosted by the First Lady Ann LePage, where they will receive recognition for their artistic achievements.
One piece of two-dimensional artwork may be submitted per school, and each school should have one designated teacher to submit the chosen artwork. Five pieces of work will be accepted from each of the nine superintendent regions: Aroostook, Cumberland County, Hancock County, Kennebec County, Mid Coast, Penquis, Washington County, Western Maine and York County. If you are unsure of your school’s region, refer to the Maine DOE school directory. Selection will be made on a first-come, first-served basis per superintendent region.
If a student’s work is selected, the Maine Arts Commission will ask the submitting teacher to provide a one-sentence statement from the student about his or her thoughts toward making art. These statements will be printed on each artwork’s label for the public to read. This added element aims to enlighten the audience about the need for art making in providing children with a comprehensive learning experience.
Teachers interested in submitting artwork should email Julie Horn, Maine Arts Commission, at julie.horn@maine.gov with any questions and/or a request to participate in the program. Please use the subject “SPRING 2014 MYEA.” Your confirmation email will include further instructions and all necessary paperwork.
Submissions must be received by Dec. 6 for consideration in the exhibition.