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, has organized an exhibition of artwork created by Maine art students, including some from Windham.

This year celebrates the 29th anniversary of Youth Art Month Exhibitions in Maine, and the 15th annual exhibition at the Museum. The Museum’s exhibition, running from Feb. 28 through March 29, 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 at the Museum Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public and refreshments will be served.

Included in the exhibition are Ciera Berthiaume of Manchester School; Ella Demetriou, Scott McPherson, and Kim Sundquist of Windham High School; Lauren Shoemaker and Nick Sundquist of Windham Middle School; and Sara Barrett and Griffin Libby of Windham Primary School.

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.

The Portland Museum of Art, Maine’s largest art museum, showcases fine and decorative arts from the 18th century to the present. From Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth to Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet, the Museum features three centuries of art and architecture. The Museum is located at Seven Congress Square in downtown Portland. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. Memorial Day through Columbus Day, the Museum is open on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with I.D., $4 for youth ages 6 to 17, and children under 6 are free. The Museum is free on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., made possible through the generous support of L.L.Bean. No admission is required to visit the Museum Cafa and Store. For more information, call 775-6148 or visit portlandmuseum.org.