meca community : for art educators

MECA offers a variety of resources and opportunities for Maine art educators and their students.

Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA

The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art (ICA at MECA) features leading-edge exhibitions and public programs that showcase new perspectives and new trends in contemporary art. Located in stunning galleries in MECA's landmark Porteous Building in downtown Portland, the ICA presents innovative work in a range of media by influential national and international artists as well as emerging artists. A rich array of public programs enhance the ICA's exhibition schedule, including provocative talks by leading artists and critics, timely forums on current issues in art and design, and interactive workshops for young people.
Free and open to the public. Guided tours available.

Joanne Waxman Library
Annual membership fee: $25
The library owns 30,000 books and exhibition catalogs. Members can check out books for a loan period of 4 weeks. The library maintains current subscriptions to approximately 70 art magazines and journals. The library's art, design,  and architecture slide collection numbers approximately 50,000 slides and the library maintains a DVD/Video collection that numbers approximately 400 items. 207.775.5153

Art Education Certification
Beginning in the fall of 2006, MECA began offering a 10-month program of study and fieldwork that fully prepares artists to become professional educators in the visual arts. Graduates receive a MECA Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Art Education and will be able to receive certification as an art educator in Maine and 40 other states.  The program is open to MECA students and students who have already received a BFA or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution. In this unique and innovative program, students will gain educational skills, not only by working in schools, but also by working in museums, galleries and other community-based environments. Contact Dr. Michelle Zelkowitz mzelkowitz@meca.edu or 207.775.5154 ex 32.

Tuition Discount for Continuing Studies Classes
Visual arts teachers, employed at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis during the school year, receive a 50% discount on tuition only for up to two Continuing Studies courses per session, not including travel programs and where noted. Verification of current employment (on school letterhead, signed by a school official) must accompany your registration form each session. If you need a grade, CEUs, or proof of your attendance, please select the for-credit option for credit classes, or the CEU option for non-credit classes, at the time of registration. Call 207.879.5742 ex 761.

Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts
The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts program is a two year program designed for emerging artists. The MFA in Studio Arts is based upon an open interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to think across boundaries and integrate studio practice with conceptual and interdisciplinary theory. Includes summer residencies and a January intensive. Contact Rachel Katz at rkatz@meca.edu or 207.775.5154 ex 30

Adventures in Art
Adventures in Art is a contemporary art education program for elementary school children. It is a multi-experience, multi-visit program that includes classroom visits, exhibition tours combined with art making projects, student exhibitions and continued curriculum connections. The program is offered once a year corresponding with the ICA's spring exhibition. Teachers are students from MECA taking the class "The Art of Teaching Art" and this program acts as their fieldwork. More about Educational Programs.

Feed Your Soul
A summer intenstive for high school art educators to recharge their creative batteries. Work with MECA faculty in the Porteous studio building located in the heart of the Portland arts district. The program includes guided instructional time, independent studio time, housing and 3 credits.

Visitor Open House Days
For prospective students to learn more about attending MECA. Tour the campus, get a portfolio review, meet the staff. Contact Loni Temple at ltemple@meca.edu or call 207.879.5742 ex 722.

Boston Portfolio Day
MECA organizes a bus trip to the Boston Portfolio Day every fall.  National Portfolio Days are an opportunity for students to meet with representatives from institutions accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. College representatives review your portfolio and offer information about their schools. The cost per person is $15. Contact Loni Temple at ltemple@meca.edu  or call 207.879.5742 ex 722.

Early College
Every summer, Early College provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for approximately 45 motivated high school students to explore their creativity and earn college credit in a four-week intensive visual arts program. Early College proceeds at a rigorous pace with a workload similar to the
first semester of an art college. Students will expand their skills, strengthen their portfolios, experience themselves as serious art students, and interact with peers who share their interests. A wide variety of evening and weekend activities will encourage students to expand their cultural horizons and to enjoy the magnetic appeal that has attracted artists to Maine year after year. Contact earlycollege@meca.edu or 207.879.5742 ex 762.