Youth Art Month at the Portland Museum of Art is an annual exhibition showcasing the incredible talent in Maine’s art education programs.
In collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA), the PMA is honored to present artwork made by young artists in our communities. Youth Art Month is also an opportunity to highlight the art educators in our schools and the importance of and access to quality art programs. Art educators help to inspire and empower young artists, creating avenues for young artists to express their creativity, find their voice, and cultivate communication skills.
Youth Art Month shines a spotlight on the power of art, especially for youth. We hope that this one-month-long exhibition helps to garner support and advocacy for youth art access all year round.
Youth Art Month is supported by the Onion Foundation, Sam L. Cohen Foundation, Sibley-Saltonstall Charitable Foundation, and the Peggy L. Osher Education Endowment at the Portland Museum of Art.
Corporate Support:
The PMA is proud to partner with MAEA (Maine Art Education Association) for Youth Art Month.
Explore the virtual gallery
Over 80 artworks were submitted to YAM 2024 from students and teachers across the state of Maine. The art on view explores themes around identity, the natural world, home, and portraiture. Scroll through all the artworks below to learn more or use the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for.
K-4th grade 5-8th grade 9-12th grade
Use the search bar below to navigate to specific artworks, students, or grade levels.
K–4th Grade
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5th–8th Grade
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9th–12th Grade
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Art Educator Highlights
Say hello to a few of our art educators that help make Youth Art Month possible!
Behind every YAM artwork is an educator supporting their student’s creativity and self-expression through the arts. We visited schools across Maine to meet with some of these art educators to ask why they decided to enter the profession, why the arts is so important to be taught to K-12 students, their involvement with YAM, and more.
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Youth Art Month Receptions
Saturday March 9, 2024
All artists, educators, and their families are invited to the Youth Art Month celebration in-person at the PMA on Saturday, March 9, 2024:
K–4th grade at 3:30 p.m.
5th–8th grade at 4:30 p.m.
9th–12th grade at 5:30 p.m.
More information will be emailed to caregivers and educators.
More Information
Explore the pages below to discover more ways to connect with the PMA online. Check out PMA Classroom activity guides or share your artwork in the Susie Konkel Family Gallery.
Everyone 21 and under receives free, unlimited admission to the PMA with with the Susie Konkel Pass! Plan your visit today.
Questions about Youth Art Month? Email learning@portlandmuseum.org
