History: The Center for Maine Contemporary Art was founded in 1952. For the first 15 years of its existence, the museum didn’t have a permanent home. A group known as the Maine Coast Artists worked together to exhibit artwork such as paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Exhibitions were held all over town in barns, town buildings, and even a storage loft for potato barrels. In 1967, a former firehouse and stable were purchased, and the Maine Coasts Artists cooperative became the Center of Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland, Maine.
Collections and Highlights: The CMCA does not hold a permanent collection. Rather, the center hosts year-round exhibitions and ArtLabs that are regularly changing. The artwork that is featured at the center has a focus on artists with ties to Maine.
Exhibitions, Events, and Programs: that The museum hosts a biennial exhibition that features the artwork of 35 artists across the museum’s galleries. The artists are chosen from a talented pool of over 400 artists. Typically, the CMCA Biennial exhibition runs from January through May, but be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date exhibition dates. Other past exhibitions included a Congressional Art Competition, American steel, spatial art, sculptures, a billboard project, monochromatic artwork, and more. The center hosts regular programs, including ArtLabs and adult makerspaces. Both programs offer patrons the opportunity to create free, hands-on art projects.
Tours: Not available in person. Virtual tours are available online for free.
Season/Hours of Operation:
- Winter Hours: November - May
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- Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
- Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM
- Summer Hours: June - October
- Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
- Sunday 12 PM - 5 PM
Admission:
- General: $8
- Students & Seniors: $6
- Under 18: Free
- Members: Free
