The Maine College of Art (MECA) is a fully accredited, degree-granting art college in the city of Portland, Maine. Founded in 1882, the Maine College of Art is the oldest arts educational institution in Maine. In addition to offering Bachelor, Post-Baccalaureate in Art Education and Master of Fine Arts degrees, the school has a continuing studies program for adults and high school students. MECA is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), a consortium of thirty-six leading art schools in the United States. MECA is located in the heart of Portland and educates artists at all stages of their creative careers.
Impact on Portland
Maine College of Art's renovation of the landmark Porteous Building in the late 1990s was the beginning of the transformation of Congress Street into the now thriving Arts District. New classrooms and studios feature panoramic views of Casco Bay. With four academic programs (undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate and continuing studies) the college has become the largest employer of visual artists in the state. The College recently consolidated all academic and studio functions to a single location within the Porteous building. With 125,000 square feet (11,600m2) of space, this former department store is now a five-floor vertical campus.
An art school is an educational institution with a primary focus on the visual arts, especially illustration, painting, photography, sculpture, and graphic design. Art schools are institutions with elementary, secondary, post-secondary or undergraduate, or graduate or postgraduate programs in these areas. They are distinguished from larger institutions which also may offer majors or degrees in the visual arts, but only as one part of a broad-based range of programs (such as the liberal arts and sciences). France's École des Beaux-Arts is, perhaps, the first model for such organized instruction, breaking with a tradition of master and apprentice instruction when it was formed.
For thousands of years, indigenous peoples were the only inhabitants of the territory that is now Maine. At the time of European encounter, several Algonquian-speaking peoples inhabited the area. The first European settlement in Maine was by the French in 1604 on Saint Croix Island, by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons. The first English settlement in Maine, the short-lived Popham Colony, was established by the Plymouth Company in 1607. A number of English settlements were established along the coast of Maine in the 1620s, although the rugged climate, deprivations, and conflict with the local peoples caused many to fail over the years.
Our virtual tour allows prospective students to explore MECA’s campus from anywhere and on any device.
Video shot, edited and produced by Brittany Martin, Graphic Designer.
Additional video footage shot by Harper Meli '23.
Closed captioning is currently being prepared for this brand new video tour.
published: 17 Aug 2020
Illustration at Maine College of Art
Illustrators are among the most flexible, versatile artists. MECA Illustrators develop technical skills, working habits and thinking required to adapt a personal voice, interests and working style to a vast range of illustration challenges and contexts. You’ll develop personal strategies, visual vocabulary and self-sufficiency to work with assignments individually and collaboratively - just as professionals do. You’ll draw, think, observe, take risks, refine, redo and present work reflecting values and the ability to unravel the everyday and make it extraordinary. You’ll gain stamina and nimbleness. You’ll find new ways to look at language, using metaphor and narratives, to lend meaning to assigned and self-initiated projects. You’ll generate inventive work, challenge yourself creatively a...
published: 19 Nov 2014
Virtual Tour of Maine College of Art
Take the tour of MECA!
published: 19 Nov 2014
Portland, Maine - Maine College of Art
meca.edu/visit
published: 19 Dec 2018
Realistic Art School Dorm Tour | femaleinred
Hey guys!
I've wanted to do a dorm tour for so long and two dorms have passed me without filming one! This is my dorm at MECA aka Maine College of Art in downtown Portland! Honestly this dorm is pretty nice and I'm lucky enough to have a room to myself!
I hope you enjoy seeing into my living space and keep an eye out for a camper tour and a tour of my new place when I move this summer!
See you guys next Tuesday (hopefully).
Links to my socials:
https://linktr.ee/femaleinred
published: 07 Apr 2021
Painting at Maine College of Art
From your first class, you’ll observe characteristics of light, form, space and composition that literally transform how you see your surroundings. Combining this constantly strengthening power of observation with a solid understanding of the art form’s history, your work will begin to evolve. You’ll fine-tune your technique, find inspiration in Portland’s waterfront and urban architecture, and learn from professors whose work graces gallery walls across the country. You’ll find your voice - a unique perspective that’s distinctly yours, and, just as importantly, you’ll learn how to market yourself and sell your work. When you graduate with a degree in Painting from MECA, you’re ready to make it your career.
published: 19 Nov 2014
Graphic Design Program at Maine College of Art
Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
"Before you begin to sketch or sit down at a computer, there are two essentials of graphic design you need to know: how to turn an idea into a compelling visual message, and what you can bring to it as an artist.
As a Graphic Design major at MECA, you’ll learn how to give concepts their most compelling voice, how to analyze and understand your audience, and how to effectively use the visual languages of type, and image and context to enhance meaning.
You’ll explore letterforms and typography, develop effective design strategies, and keep your skills broad—delving into interactivity, websites, video, narratives, publications, and information design. During your studies at MECA, your techniques and design processes will evolve into an individual appro...
Our virtual tour allows prospective students to explore MECA’s campus from anywhere and on any device.
Video shot, edited and produced by Brittany Martin, Grap...
Our virtual tour allows prospective students to explore MECA’s campus from anywhere and on any device.
Video shot, edited and produced by Brittany Martin, Graphic Designer.
Additional video footage shot by Harper Meli '23.
Closed captioning is currently being prepared for this brand new video tour.
Our virtual tour allows prospective students to explore MECA’s campus from anywhere and on any device.
Video shot, edited and produced by Brittany Martin, Graphic Designer.
Additional video footage shot by Harper Meli '23.
Closed captioning is currently being prepared for this brand new video tour.
Illustrators are among the most flexible, versatile artists. MECA Illustrators develop technical skills, working habits and thinking required to adapt a persona...
Illustrators are among the most flexible, versatile artists. MECA Illustrators develop technical skills, working habits and thinking required to adapt a personal voice, interests and working style to a vast range of illustration challenges and contexts. You’ll develop personal strategies, visual vocabulary and self-sufficiency to work with assignments individually and collaboratively - just as professionals do. You’ll draw, think, observe, take risks, refine, redo and present work reflecting values and the ability to unravel the everyday and make it extraordinary. You’ll gain stamina and nimbleness. You’ll find new ways to look at language, using metaphor and narratives, to lend meaning to assigned and self-initiated projects. You’ll generate inventive work, challenge yourself creatively and acquire the openness and entrepreneurship you’ll require for an exciting professional life.
Illustrators are among the most flexible, versatile artists. MECA Illustrators develop technical skills, working habits and thinking required to adapt a personal voice, interests and working style to a vast range of illustration challenges and contexts. You’ll develop personal strategies, visual vocabulary and self-sufficiency to work with assignments individually and collaboratively - just as professionals do. You’ll draw, think, observe, take risks, refine, redo and present work reflecting values and the ability to unravel the everyday and make it extraordinary. You’ll gain stamina and nimbleness. You’ll find new ways to look at language, using metaphor and narratives, to lend meaning to assigned and self-initiated projects. You’ll generate inventive work, challenge yourself creatively and acquire the openness and entrepreneurship you’ll require for an exciting professional life.
Hey guys!
I've wanted to do a dorm tour for so long and two dorms have passed me without filming one! This is my dorm at MECA aka Maine College of Art in do...
Hey guys!
I've wanted to do a dorm tour for so long and two dorms have passed me without filming one! This is my dorm at MECA aka Maine College of Art in downtown Portland! Honestly this dorm is pretty nice and I'm lucky enough to have a room to myself!
I hope you enjoy seeing into my living space and keep an eye out for a camper tour and a tour of my new place when I move this summer!
See you guys next Tuesday (hopefully).
Links to my socials:
https://linktr.ee/femaleinred
Hey guys!
I've wanted to do a dorm tour for so long and two dorms have passed me without filming one! This is my dorm at MECA aka Maine College of Art in downtown Portland! Honestly this dorm is pretty nice and I'm lucky enough to have a room to myself!
I hope you enjoy seeing into my living space and keep an eye out for a camper tour and a tour of my new place when I move this summer!
See you guys next Tuesday (hopefully).
Links to my socials:
https://linktr.ee/femaleinred
From your first class, you’ll observe characteristics of light, form, space and composition that literally transform how you see your surroundings. Combining th...
From your first class, you’ll observe characteristics of light, form, space and composition that literally transform how you see your surroundings. Combining this constantly strengthening power of observation with a solid understanding of the art form’s history, your work will begin to evolve. You’ll fine-tune your technique, find inspiration in Portland’s waterfront and urban architecture, and learn from professors whose work graces gallery walls across the country. You’ll find your voice - a unique perspective that’s distinctly yours, and, just as importantly, you’ll learn how to market yourself and sell your work. When you graduate with a degree in Painting from MECA, you’re ready to make it your career.
From your first class, you’ll observe characteristics of light, form, space and composition that literally transform how you see your surroundings. Combining this constantly strengthening power of observation with a solid understanding of the art form’s history, your work will begin to evolve. You’ll fine-tune your technique, find inspiration in Portland’s waterfront and urban architecture, and learn from professors whose work graces gallery walls across the country. You’ll find your voice - a unique perspective that’s distinctly yours, and, just as importantly, you’ll learn how to market yourself and sell your work. When you graduate with a degree in Painting from MECA, you’re ready to make it your career.
Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
"Before you begin to sketch or sit down at a computer, there are two essentials of graphic design you need to know: how t...
Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
"Before you begin to sketch or sit down at a computer, there are two essentials of graphic design you need to know: how to turn an idea into a compelling visual message, and what you can bring to it as an artist.
As a Graphic Design major at MECA, you’ll learn how to give concepts their most compelling voice, how to analyze and understand your audience, and how to effectively use the visual languages of type, and image and context to enhance meaning.
You’ll explore letterforms and typography, develop effective design strategies, and keep your skills broad—delving into interactivity, websites, video, narratives, publications, and information design. During your studies at MECA, your techniques and design processes will evolve into an individual approach that will form the foundation of your professional practice."
— Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
"Before you begin to sketch or sit down at a computer, there are two essentials of graphic design you need to know: how to turn an idea into a compelling visual message, and what you can bring to it as an artist.
As a Graphic Design major at MECA, you’ll learn how to give concepts their most compelling voice, how to analyze and understand your audience, and how to effectively use the visual languages of type, and image and context to enhance meaning.
You’ll explore letterforms and typography, develop effective design strategies, and keep your skills broad—delving into interactivity, websites, video, narratives, publications, and information design. During your studies at MECA, your techniques and design processes will evolve into an individual approach that will form the foundation of your professional practice."
— Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
Our virtual tour allows prospective students to explore MECA’s campus from anywhere and on any device.
Video shot, edited and produced by Brittany Martin, Graphic Designer.
Additional video footage shot by Harper Meli '23.
Closed captioning is currently being prepared for this brand new video tour.
Illustrators are among the most flexible, versatile artists. MECA Illustrators develop technical skills, working habits and thinking required to adapt a personal voice, interests and working style to a vast range of illustration challenges and contexts. You’ll develop personal strategies, visual vocabulary and self-sufficiency to work with assignments individually and collaboratively - just as professionals do. You’ll draw, think, observe, take risks, refine, redo and present work reflecting values and the ability to unravel the everyday and make it extraordinary. You’ll gain stamina and nimbleness. You’ll find new ways to look at language, using metaphor and narratives, to lend meaning to assigned and self-initiated projects. You’ll generate inventive work, challenge yourself creatively and acquire the openness and entrepreneurship you’ll require for an exciting professional life.
Hey guys!
I've wanted to do a dorm tour for so long and two dorms have passed me without filming one! This is my dorm at MECA aka Maine College of Art in downtown Portland! Honestly this dorm is pretty nice and I'm lucky enough to have a room to myself!
I hope you enjoy seeing into my living space and keep an eye out for a camper tour and a tour of my new place when I move this summer!
See you guys next Tuesday (hopefully).
Links to my socials:
https://linktr.ee/femaleinred
From your first class, you’ll observe characteristics of light, form, space and composition that literally transform how you see your surroundings. Combining this constantly strengthening power of observation with a solid understanding of the art form’s history, your work will begin to evolve. You’ll fine-tune your technique, find inspiration in Portland’s waterfront and urban architecture, and learn from professors whose work graces gallery walls across the country. You’ll find your voice - a unique perspective that’s distinctly yours, and, just as importantly, you’ll learn how to market yourself and sell your work. When you graduate with a degree in Painting from MECA, you’re ready to make it your career.
Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
"Before you begin to sketch or sit down at a computer, there are two essentials of graphic design you need to know: how to turn an idea into a compelling visual message, and what you can bring to it as an artist.
As a Graphic Design major at MECA, you’ll learn how to give concepts their most compelling voice, how to analyze and understand your audience, and how to effectively use the visual languages of type, and image and context to enhance meaning.
You’ll explore letterforms and typography, develop effective design strategies, and keep your skills broad—delving into interactivity, websites, video, narratives, publications, and information design. During your studies at MECA, your techniques and design processes will evolve into an individual approach that will form the foundation of your professional practice."
— Learn more at meca.edu/graphic-design
The Maine College of Art (MECA) is a fully accredited, degree-granting art college in the city of Portland, Maine. Founded in 1882, the Maine College of Art is the oldest arts educational institution in Maine. In addition to offering Bachelor, Post-Baccalaureate in Art Education and Master of Fine Arts degrees, the school has a continuing studies program for adults and high school students. MECA is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), a consortium of thirty-six leading art schools in the United States. MECA is located in the heart of Portland and educates artists at all stages of their creative careers.
Impact on Portland
Maine College of Art's renovation of the landmark Porteous Building in the late 1990s was the beginning of the transformation of Congress Street into the now thriving Arts District. New classrooms and studios feature panoramic views of Casco Bay. With four academic programs (undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate and continuing studies) the college has become the largest employer of visual artists in the state. The College recently consolidated all academic and studio functions to a single location within the Porteous building. With 125,000 square feet (11,600m2) of space, this former department store is now a five-floor vertical campus.