The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is hosting its annual exhibit showcasing the artwork of talented students in kindergarten through grade 12 from schools around Maine.  The artwork of numerous Portland Public School students is included in this exhibit, which is put on in collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA).  The museum is free to the public on the third Thursday of every month and every Friday from 4:00 – 8:00pm.  The PMA has extended this show to April 5 in order to give more people an opportunity to share the joy and power of youth art.

This exhibit of more than 90 works not only turns the spotlight on these young artists, but also celebrates the importance of art education and highlights the role that art educators play in fostering creativity, expression and communication skills in students.  The exhibit is located on the lower ground floor or the PMA.  The artwork can be viewed in person at the museum and also on the museum’s website.

“Each year, there is a thread of joy and expression through the arts that is important to spotlight,” said Meghan Quigley Graham, PMA director of learning and teaching.  “This year, it is just as important to continue advocating for arts programming for young artists…Our arts educators need support and funding to continue providing brave spaces for our young artists to express their ideas and share moments of joy.”