Now on View at the PMA
2025 Youth Art Month Exhibition
Ceremony to welcome artist Holden Willard and Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Ceremony & Celebration:
Saturday, March 15, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m
For Immediate Release: March 4, 2025
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Portland, Maine – The Portland Museum of Art (PMA), in collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA), proudly presents the 2025 Youth Art Month exhibition, celebrating the creativity of young artists and the educators who inspire them. This annual exhibition highlights the importance of arts education and its impact on student expression and growth. The artworks featured provide a glimpse into the important work being done in schools throughout the state year-round and shines a spotlight on the ways that access to art education empowers and inspires.
This year’s Youth Art Month showcases original artworks by K-12 students from across Maine. Featuring pieces from more than 70 schools, the exhibition reflects the diversity of the state’s urban and rural communities. The work will be on view from February 26 through March 30 in the PMA’s Lower Ground Floor, with free admission for all visitors.
A special highlight of this year’s exhibition celebration on Saturday, March 15 is guest speaker Holden Willard, a 2015 Youth Art Month participant whose experience at the PMA proved pivotal in his artistic journey. “Walking into the museum [at 15] and seeing my work on the wall made me realize I am an artist,” Willard recalls. A decade later, he’s come full circle, with three paintings currently featured in As We Are, the PMA’s buzzy exhibition of emerging Maine artists. “It’s incredible to return to the museum in this way,” Willard says. “Youth Art Month gave me the motivation to keep going, and now I’m showing work in the same institution that first gave me that confidence.” His story underscores the lasting impact of Youth Art Month and the role of arts education in fostering young Maine artists.
Speakers to include 2025 MAEA Educator of the Year, Portland High School teacher Elise Pelletier and MAEA Art Advocate of the Year, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
