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Ceremony to welcome artist Holden Willard\u00a0and Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n For Immediate Release: March 4, 2025<\/em><\/strong> Portland, Maine<\/strong> \u2013 The Portland Museum of Art (PMA), in collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA), proudly presents the 2025 Youth Art Month <\/strong>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. \u00a0<\/p>\n This year’s Youth Art Month showcases original artworks<\/span><\/a> by K-12 students from across Maine. Featuring pieces from more than 70 schools, the exhibition reflects the diversity of the state\u2019s urban and rural communities. The work will be on view from February 26 through March 30<\/strong> in the PMA\u2019s Lower Ground Floor, with free admission for all visitors<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n A special highlight of this year\u2019s exhibition celebration on Saturday, March 15 is guest speaker Holden Willard<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a 2015 Youth Art Month participant whose experience at the PMA proved pivotal in his artistic journey. \u201cWalking into the museum [at 15] and seeing my work on the wall made me realize I am an artist,\u201d Willard recalls. A decade later, he\u2019s come full circle, with three paintings currently featured in As We Are<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a>, the PMA\u2019s buzzy exhibition of emerging Maine artists. \u201cIt\u2019s incredible to return to the museum in this way,\u201d Willard says. \u201cYouth Art Month gave me the motivation to keep going, and now I\u2019m showing work in the same institution that first gave me that confidence.\u201d His story underscores the lasting impact of Youth Art Month and the role of arts education in fostering young Maine artists.\u00a0<\/p>\n Speakers to include 2025 MAEA Educator of the Year, Portland High School teacher Elise Pelletier <\/strong>and\u00a0MAEA Art Advocate of the Year,\u00a0Congresswoman Chellie Pingree<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nCeremony & Celebration: \u00a0<\/strong>
Saturday, March 15, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m<\/h3>\n
Contact PMA Public Relations
All press inquiries may be submitted to pr@portlandmuseum.org.<\/em><\/p>\n