The Portland Press Herald / The Maine Sunday Telegram

March 8

Works of Maine student artists to be showcased at two venues

By Bob Keyes bkeyes@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

 

PORTLAND – One of the most anticipated art exhibitions of the year is on view at the Portland Museum of Art.

The annual Youth Art Month exhibition, organized by the Maine Art Education Association, includes original work by 115 students across the state. The youngest artist is in kindergarten. The oldest is a senior in high school.

"We have everything, from very sophisticated drawings to wonderful abstract paintings by young children. There are brilliant color pieces, beautiful black-and-whites, great landscapes and revealing portraits," said Stacy Rodenberger, coordinator of school programs for the museum's education department.

There's even one piece of video art this year.

The students and their families will fill the galleries for a celebration beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday. For the opening reception, the museum invites all of the participants and their extended families to see the exhibition. As many as 800 people are expected to attend.

The Portland museum show is one of two major exhibitions that will honor student artists this month.

Next week, the Heartwood College of Art in Kennebunk will host the annual Scholastic Art Awards, which features visual art by Maine students. The state contest is part of the national Scholastic Art Awards, which has honored outstanding student artists since 1932. Heartwood has hosted the exhibition for two years.

In all, 282 Maine students submitted 748 works of art for consideration; 78 of the students won awards. Heartwood will exhibit all gold, silver and honorable mention award winners Wednesday through March 17.

On March 13, the college will host a reception for the winners and their families. Every winner will be recognized, and their work will be forwarded to the national competition, said Berry Kramer, Heartwood's president.

It's important that each artist be recognized, she said, because too often accomplishments in the arts pass without attention. "Our mission is to inspire the next generation of artists, and we believe this is a fabulous way to recognize this group," Kramer said.

At the Portland Museum of Art, every student will receive a certificate and a round of applause at Saturday's reception.

The show is one of the most popular exhibitions of the year, Rodenberger said.