SACO — Art teachers don’t just teach; they’re artists in their own right, and an upcoming exhibit at the Saco Museum is giving these educators a chance to show their personal side as it showcases the work they pursue outside of the classroom.

The exhibit, “After Hours: Work by Maine Art Teachers” runs from Jan. 14 to March 1 at the museum, located at 371 Main St. A public reception will be held Saturday, Jan. 25 from 1-3 p.m.

The show features the work of more than 40 Maine teachers who are members of the Maine Art Educators Association. It includes a number of types of work, including ceramics, sculptures, fiber art, mixed media, drawings, paintings and encaustic art.

“It’s a wide variety,” said Piper Bolduc, who teaches art at Old Orchard Beach High School.

Bolduc and Diane Noble, who teaches art at Gov. John Fairfield and Young Schools in Saco, said the Maine Art Educators Association holds an exhibit every year showcasing its members. The show was at the Saco Museum a few years ago, and moves around to different locations each year.

The two art teachers said the Maine Art Educators Association, and the show in particular, helps art teachers get to know and learn from each other, and the exhibit is a chance to see what other teachers are working on.

Noble said teachers need to “practice what you preach,” and it shows students that they are working artists as well as teachers.

Bolduc said she likes her students to know that she does her own artwork.

“I just don’t stand up and preach to you,” she said.

She said it’s good for students to see their teacher’s work, as it makes what she’s teaching “a little bit more valuable.”

For more information on the Saco Museum, call 283-3861 or go to www.sacomuseum.org.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.