The annual art sale supports student scholarships and artists from the community
PORTLAND, ME — June 1, 2023 — Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is proud to announce the 2023 COLLECT Art Sale—a fundraiser in support of the College’s Student Scholarship Fund. An online preview of works for sale will take place June 14-20, 2023, while an in-person preview is scheduled for June 17-20. The sale opens to the public at 11am on June 22 and runs through 6pm on June 24, 2023, in person and online at shop.meca.edu.
This annual exhibition and sale is an opportunity for seasoned and novice collectors alike to discover emerging artists, view new work by established creators, and build or add to art collections—all while helping to fund student scholarships at Maine College of Art & Design. COLLECT also supports working artists by offering 50% commission on sales.
Jessica Beer ’15, The Other Side, mixed media on canvas, 30″ x 30″
“The power of art to bring communities together cannot be overstated,” says President Laura Freid. “As the College’s largest fundraising event of the year, COLLECT is an opportunity for art appreciators to support our efforts to keep art education affordable while encouraging artists in all phases of their careers to create works that encompass a diversity of perspectives and spark critical conversations.”
The works on sale span mediums, including ceramics, painting, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, and more. During the online preview period (June 14–June 20), collectors can browse the COLLECT site, create an account, and add pieces to a wishlist. Once the sale begins, collectors can access their wishlist, granting them faster access to the checkout process. All sales are first-come, first-serve. A video outlining the purchase and pickup process may be found here.
After the sale, artwork will be available for pickup at the College’s 87 Free Street entrance on the following days/times:
- Wednesday, June 28, 10am-3pm
- Thursday, June 29, 10am-3pm
- Friday, June 30, 2-6pm
Those who purchased works through the online sale may opt to have them shipped via USPS. Buyers are responsible for all shipping and handling costs, which are added at checkout online. Allow 7-14 business days for delivery; for purchases over $500, it is recommended that buyers contact collect@meca.edu to discuss insurance options.
Select pieces from the COLLECT Art Sale are marked as full donations to benefit Maine College of Art & Design students. Visit shop.meca.edu to learn more.
Catherine Callahan LeBleu, Dune Mosse, acrylic on canvas, 36 ”x 36”, 2018
“I participated in COLLECT for the first time last year, and it was a fantastic experience,” says Catherine Callahan LeBleu. “The show is exceptionally well-organized, and the College takes care of everything from advertising to shipping. It’s a joy to have an institution like Maine College of Art & Design in the community, and a privilege to play a part in supporting young artists through donating a portion of sales.”
Maine College of Art & Design would like to thank this year’s sponsors: Wipfli; USI Insurance Company; Philadelphia Insurance Company; Mascoma Bank; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; Wright-Ryan Construction; Bath Savings; M&T Bank; University Credit Union; Jensen Baird, Attorneys at Law; Central Maine Power; Clark Insurance; Waypoint Brokers; Delta Dental; Portland Museum of Art Contemporaries; Allagash Brewing Company; Hardshore Distilling Company; Blue Lobster Winery; Plant Office; and the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein.
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ABOUT MAINE COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Maine College of Art & Design has been activating students of all pursuits to make art, make an impact, and inspire change since its founding as Portland School of Art in 1882. Located in Portland's thriving Arts District, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, 24-hour-a-day studios, a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a community-based Artists at Work program—making MECA&D the right-sized school in the right-sized city for every student who wants to make their mark and be seen. MECA&D offers BFA Majors and Minors, Graduate Programs, Continuing Studies, and Pre-College, and includes the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies and the Institute for Contemporary Art. Follow us at @mecaart.