Over the last month, we have witnessed terrible acts of injustice which have affected the Black community. We believe we are capable of change, and support anyone who advocates for equity, justice, and basic human rights for all.
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As our younger generations grow, we will to continue to grow because of them. Our young people have transformed how we think about the future—not just the future of the PMA, but also that of our society, and with their lead, we are confident that our shared futures will be bright.
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Edward Hopper's Pemaquid Light is one of the PMA's most requested works to view, but given the delicate nature of works on paper, it only appears in our galleries once every half-decade or so. Since most of us are still at home, we thought we'd bring it to you with an essay from our first-ever collection catalogue.
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Several artists in the PMA’s collection depict windows in their artworks as a symbol of openness, hope, and to bring together two different perspectives. For this activity, we will draw inspiration from the window views in our own homes to create a drawing.
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Toulouse-Lautrec’s unusual approach to representation reflected the hustle and bustle of public venues in Paris, but also pointed to the instability of life for working-class Parisians.
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Robert Indiana used words as a central theme in his artwork to express the power of language. For this activity, we will choose a single word as the main focus of our artwork to inspire comfort and hope.
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The #GettyMuseumChallenge has provided some much needed levity during this time, and PMA Ambassador Michaela Flint brings her 'A' game this week with some great takes on favorites from the PMA collection.
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We're taking our Mindfulness program out of the galleries and into your home because—let's be real—we could all use a little more intentional centering time these days.
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PMA Films are made available via their respective distributors who set the terms of rental and who will be the best first place to inquire about refunds or screening issues.
Most films will include info on how to watch on various devices but we’re including some info below that you might find helpful.
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Justin Richel creates sculptures by stacking objects on top of each other to build tall, playful columns that tell a story. In this activity, we will use books to create a stacked sculpture with words.
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As the State of Maine has released its initial plans to reopen our region, we wanted to let you know that we will be sharing our plans for a phased reopening as well. There are many things to consider, and the first phase—before any visitors come through our doors—is ensuring we are doing everything we can to maximize the safety and well-being of you, our staff, and anyone who will be on our campus. We firmly believe that nothing can replace the power of experiencing a work of art in person, and so we have begun in earnest to prepare to reopen safely, deliberately, and with an abundance of care.
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Being Penobscot, Sarah Sockbeson saw baskets in museums and family homes. She was told stories about her great-grandmother who was a basketmaker in the early 1900s. She wanted to be a part of this tradition, but the techniques were not passed down in her family. Then in 2004, she apprenticed with Jennifer Neptune as part of the Maine Arts Commission Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. She showed Sarah how to split ash splints, prepare materials, and to do the traditional techniques necessary to weave ash and sweetgrass baskets.
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Vien Dobui was born in Virginia under the Year of the Dog and raised in California. He is the co-owner and chef of CÔNG TỬ BỘT, a restaurant located in a gentrifying neighborhood of Portland, Maine. Often described as “Vietnamese” or “Asian”, CÔNG TỬ BỘT strives to explore preconceived notions of race, gender, and equity. The restaurant has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and other local and national press.
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Check out this conversation between Hayden Anderson, Executive Director of the Maine Humanities Council, and Mark Bessire, Judy and Leonard Lauder Director, and Diana Greenwold, Curator of American Art, about Stories of Maine: An Incomplete History and the collaborative process that defined it.
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Pam Cummings was born and raised in Portland where she attended Portland Public Schools. She is currently pursuing her Masters degree. She is the proud mother to two adult children and serves as President and Co-Director of Educational Programs at The Abyssinian Meeting House. She has over 20 years of experience in identifying and cultivating partnerships with local business leaders, fundraising, and event planning.
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As Officer-in-charge and Keeper of family lighthouses (Monhegan Island Light; Fort Point Lighthouse in Stockton Springs; and Browns Head Lighthouse on Vinalhaven), Ernie DeRaps lived with his wife and children. He enjoyed having his family near, watching the children grow and helping to teach them. Lighthouses attract many visitors and it was always a pleasure for him and his wife Polly to greet these guests and make them feel welcome. After his retirement, he decided to paint every lighthouse on the coast of Maine.
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Farmington, Maine, native Seth Wescott started snowboarding at the age of 10 in 1986. It has since shaped his life and travels, leading him to a 20-year tenure on the U.S. snowboarding team—for which he won gold medals in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics—and traveling from Antarctica to Greenland and many places in between in search of interesting places and amazing mountains to ride on.
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The first female governor of Maine, Janet Mills was sworn into office on January 2, 2019. Governor Mills first entered public service as assistant attorney general. She was elected the first woman District Attorney in New England, co-founded the Maine Women's Lobby, and was elected to the Maine House of Representatives. She also served as Maine’s first and only female Attorney General.
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Muhidin Libah was born in Southern Somalia, grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp, and came to the United States in 2004. He has a degree from the University of Southern Maine and has co-founded multiple nonprofits including the Middle Juba Relief and Sustainability Organization, Somali Bantu Community Association of Syracuse, and Somali Bantu Community Association of Maine. He is a family man who just celebrated the birth of his 10th child.
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