Maine College of Art

Located in the heart of the Portland Arts District, Maine College of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts, a Post-Baccalaureate in Art Education as well as Continuing Studies for adults and youths, including a Pre-College intensive for high school students.


The College has transformed a former department store into the main campus building with vibrant classrooms and studios that are open 24/7. Also located in the Porteous Building, the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA serves a critical regional role in its commitment to presenting contemporary, provocative work by living artists from Maine and around the globe. The Joanne Waxman Library is one of the largest independent libraries in Northern New England and a major resource for the region.



At MECA, undergraduate students spend the first year developing a foundation and the second year exploring a variety of media. At the start of junior year, students declare a major and spend the next two years working within their discipline. MECA offers 11 majors in the BFA program: Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, New Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textile and Fashion Design, and Woodworking & Furniture. The College provides individual studios to all juniors and seniors. MECA is part of a five-college alliance that allows students to access classes and resources in the surrounding area.

At Maine College of Art, we believe an artist’s life centers on studio practice.

For us, the studio is a public as well as a private place where the artist undertakes research, experimentation, reflection, collaboration, and problem-solving, all in preparation for creating and presenting meaningful artwork. Students learn that a lively and enduring studio practice will allow them to become creative agents in the world.

Our curriculum supports the creative spirit of our students, empowering them to become artists, citizens, and entrepreneurs. A structured and sequenced program in visual language, academic studies and public engagement, with a wide range of choices, prepares students to transition into fulfilling and successful careers.