In celebration of National Youth Art Month during the month of March, the Portland Museum of Art, in collaboration with the Maine Art Education Association (MAEA), has organized an exhibition of artwork created by Maine art students statewide.

Windham students with work on display include Lindsay Delcourt of Windham Primary School, Alana Dougherty of Manchester School, Jackie Gamache and Jennifer Wolfe of Windham Middle School and Matthew Boothby, Dorson Plourde and Scott Whiting of Windham High School.

This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of Youth Art Month exhibitions in Maine, and the 11th annual exhibition at the museum. The Museum’s exhibition, running through March 27, will showcase more than 100 works of art by students throughout the state from elementary school through high school. All participating students will receive certificates of recognition. An exhibition celebration will be held on Friday, March 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free to the public and refreshments will be served.

National Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education and to encourage public support for quality school art programs. The focus of this month is to convey to the public that art education develops self-discipline, self-esteem, and a sense of pride in self-expression. Youth Art Month has been observed nationally since 1961, and on the state level, sponsored by the Maine Art Education Association, since 1980.