May has overseen several transformative projects for the museum, and can be credited with pivoting the museum toward a more equitable and diverse collection and exhibition schedule, bringing a more representational perspective to the PMA through programming, exhibitions, collection practices, and more.
Read More“We’re going to be long gone, and [our artwork] will still be in these institutions…There will come a time when my grandchildren will visit me [at the museum], and that whole notion that we just survive, through art, is so powerful and empowering.” - Angel Abreu of K.O.S.
Read MoreHow has the word “tabernacle” been used, interpreted, and reclaimed by different people? In this new video series created for Dream Action Factory, Cynthia Baker, Professor of Religious Studies at Bates College, explores the history of this poignant word.
Read MoreOver 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreEdward 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.
Read MoreSeveral 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.
Read MoreToulouse-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.
Read MoreRobert 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.
Read MoreThe #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.
Read MoreWe'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.
Read MorePMA 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.
Read MoreJustin 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreBeing 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.
Read MoreVien 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.
Read MoreCheck 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.
Read MorePam 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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