Watershed Gallery Competitors

The Art Institutes

The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art. Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors. Where many worldviews meet, new ways of seeing, thinking, and understanding emerge. The conversations we inspire bring people together—revealing connections, exploring differences, and creating a community where all belong.

Located in the heart of the Portland Arts District, Maine College of Art & Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, a Master of Arts in Teaching, an Online Master of Arts in Education, an Online Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration, an Online Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy, a Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies, as well as Continuing Studies for adults and youths, including a Pre-College intensive for high school students. The College transformed a former department store into the main campus building with vibrant classrooms and studios that are open 24/7. Also located in the Porteous Building, the Institute of Contemporary Art serves a critical regional role in its commitment to presenting contemporary, provocative work by living artists from Maine and around the globe. The Joanne Waxman Library is one of the largest independent libraries in Northern New England. Undergraduate students spend the first year developing a foundation and the second year exploring a variety of media. At the start of junior year, students declare a major and spend the next two years working within their discipline. The College offers 8 majors in the BFA program: Ceramics, Animation & Game Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Textile & Fashion Design. The College provides individual studios to all juniors and seniors, and it is part of a five-college alliance that allows students to access classes and resources in the surrounding area. Maine College of Art & Design is a non-profit institution of higher education that is both NEASC and NASAD accredited.