ArtLab

Our hands-on education program offers year-round classes and workshops for all ages

“The act of creation is like the act of love. It asks first for commitment, for risks, for a certain amount of abandon and for joy, and for an absolute belief in its integrity of being.” — Maia Aprahamian

Center for Maine Contemporary Art Education Vision Statement 

Dedicated to promoting dynamic engagement with contemporary art and artists, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art offers programs that fuel the imagination, stimulate forward thinking, and cultivate conversation.

Our priority is to develop programming that:

  • Expands access to the new ideas and modes of expression inherent in contemporary art
  • Provides authentic and experiential art education that engages local artists as teachers and mentors
  • Empowers individuals to explore their own capacities as creative thinkers and makers

CMCA’s EDUCATION PROGRAMS

ArtLab invites participants of all ages to explore materials and transform ideas into tangible, original forms of art. Our goal is to inspire the creative process through adventurous thinking, as individuals and families discover, interact, and invent.

Since its launch in 2011, thousands of participants have engaged in CMCA’s ArtLab. Our ArtLab programs include:

  • Ongoing Open Studio projects
  • Look Inside expanded program supporting K-12 school visits and profession development for Maine art teachers online and in person
  • February and April school vacation workshops
  • Summer ArtCamp facilitated by guest teaching artists
  • Afterschool classes in collaboration with local youth community organizations

To engage in previous ArtLab offerings check out our Facebook Video Playlist featuring ArtLab livestreams from this past year.

CMCA THANKS

CMCA’s ArtLab program is offered free to the community through the support of the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Margaret E. Burnham Trust, Cricket Foundation, Morton Kelly Charitable Trust, The Onion Foundation, and through the support of individual donors and members.

DONATE TO ARTLAB

Designated Giving

Your contribution helps keep ArtLab for All Ages free of charge and open to all, and provides financial support for families in need. To donate online, click here and at Checkout, write “ArtLab” in Order Notes under Additional Information.

If sending a check please make out to Center for Maine Contemporary Art with memo note “ArtLab,” and mail to:
Center for Maine Contemporary Art
PO Box 1767
Rockland, ME
04841

Materials Donation

Thank you for your interest in donating to the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s ArtLab! Please complete our Materials Donation Form with the information for donating materials that may be used in the space. You will receive a follow up email from Education Programs Manager with more information on drop off or pick up of the donation.

* Items being donated must be in good condition, the CMCA reserves the right to decline donations that do not align with our education vision statement.

Volunteer in ArtLab

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s ArtLab! We are grateful for any amount of time you are able to give to our active education program. At this time, we have a variety of tasks that our volunteers participate in includes: art kit assembly, Look Inside school visits, Open Studios preparation, and materials organization. Please complete the Volunteer Form to which you will receive a follow up email regarding your volunteer availability.

Unleash your creativity with our hands-on, fun and imaginative ArtLabs

ArtLab for All Ages is FREE and open to the public.
ArtLab for All Ages is a monthly art exploration program that inspires participants to think imaginatively and connectively while playfully engaging in an afternoon of art making.

  • ArtLab for All Ages | January

    January ArtLab for All Saturday, January 4 | 2:00–4:00pm Instructor: Jennifer Peppe Drop-in | Free...

    January 4, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
  • ArtLab for All Ages | February

    February ArtLab for All Saturday, February 8 | 2:00–4:00pm Instructor: Tori Marsh Drop-in | Free a...

    February 8, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST

Revisit past ArtLab workshops!

Explore the ideas, tools, and techniques of contemporary art during your visit!

Open Studios
Our Open Studios is a hands-on opportunity for visitors of all ages to engage and understand the current exhibitions through self directed art making. Free of charge with admission, open during museum open hours.

  • ArtLab | Open Studios

    Open Studios October – January ArtLab | Free, drop-in during open hours Pattern and Place Join us ...

    December 1 - December 30

Create all summer long!

Join us for summer 2024 ArtCamps happening July 8 – August 15, 2024. Registration now open!

Check back soon for 2024 ArtCamp lineup

Enroll in Artlab

Unleash your child’s creativity with our hands on, fun and imaginative artistic ArtLabs – enroll now!  Our programs are:

  • Available year-round
  • Are taught by professional artists / teachers
  • Limited in space and fill fast
  • Cheaper with members discounts

Enrollment is by mail or phone only.  Full payment is required upon registration. Fees include a $25 non-refundable registration fee.  Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Space is limited. Please call  207.701.5005 for more information.

Please view our ArtLab cancellation policy here.

Want to get the latest news and updates from CMCA? Sign up below!