The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) has won the 2018 Governor’s Award for Tourism Excellence, the highest honor given by the Maine Office of Tourism. Received at the tourism industry’s annual awards luncheon on Wednesday, April 4, in Portland, the award recognizes CMCA’s contributions to the statewide economy and its efforts to create an exceptional year-round experience for its visitors.
“This is an incredible honor,” said Suzette McAvoy, CMCA’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to see CMCA and the arts in Maine recognized for their important role in Maine’s cultural economy. We set out to create an extraordinary experience in Rockland – this award recognizes that achievement.”
Speaking to an overflowing reception inside the State of Maine Ballroom at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, Director Steve Lyons of the Office of Tourism reiterated CMCA’s incredible transformation. “The Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s dedication to celebrating Maine’s present day cultural assets has taken them from a small local facility to an exciting global platform for Maine’s arts community, and a major draw for cultural tourism in our state.”
Among the crowd was Gordon Page, Director of Rockland Main Street, who echoed Lyons’ praise. “CMCA demonstrates daily a remarkable ability to impact tourism in a proactive manner.” Speaking about his own work to strengthen Rockland’s local economy through Rockland Main Street—a non-profit focused on connecting and amplifying the efforts of local businesses—Page called CMCA “an important part of the ongoing revitalization of our City.”
Discussing CMCA’s role in the local economy, Sam Vail, CMCA’s Director of Development and Marketing, praised the $35 million impact that has been attributed to the organization. “When people visit CMCA, the impact ripples outward. They shop downtown, run errands, grab a meal, or all of the above.” Vail emphasized the importance of CMCA being a destination for locals, as well as tourists. “We strive to add value to people’s lives – year round. That’s how we serve as a real community asset.”
CMCA accepts the tourism award at an important juncture for how the arts are viewed in Maine’s economy. As the state continues to grapple with the challenge of attracting a new generation of workers, business leaders have begun to engage the arts community as a resource. “Maine’s arts and cultural sector is our best weapon for building a 21st century economy,” writes Julie A. Richard, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission, “one that retains young people and attracts creatives, innovators, and investment to our state.”
Currently, estimates show 11,000 individuals hold creative occupations in 2,582 arts-related businesses across the state. Additionally, recent studies link the impact of the art non-profit industry alone to a $150.5 million influx into the state’s economy.
“This award represents the growing respect people have for Maine’s artists,” says Vail, who credits the legacy and skill of Maine artists for helping CMCA gain national attention. When asked about CMCA’s strategy for the future, Vail was quick to answer. “Our goal remains the same: provide everyone who visits CMCA with a unique and enriching experience. That’s it.”
With the number of tourists visiting Maine rising for the fifth consecutive year in 2017, Vail feels optimistic about the approaching summer season. “Maine is popular – that’s a good problem to have.”
—
CMCA is a contemporary arts institution presenting year-round exhibitions, engaging events, and educational programs for all ages. Location: 21 Winter Street, Rockland, Maine. Hours: November through May, Wednesday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sunday, 12 to 5 pm; June through October, Monday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday, 12 to 5pm. Closed Federal holidays. Admission $8; Seniors (65+) and students with ID $6; children under 18 free; CMCA members free.
For more information about CMCA, visit: cmcanow.org
Dominique Ostuni’s solo exhibition, “Would an Angel Apologize for Spilling Champagne,” is on view through Oct. 3 at Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland. A centerpiece of the exhibition is “Excess Comes Naturally,” an elaborate mirror standing more than 8 feet tall. The work begins with an ordinary functional object, then overwhelms that function with porcelain, […]
Waterfall Arts will invite the public inside more than 40 artist studios during the Lincoln Street Center Fall Open Studios from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 at 24 Lincoln St. in Rockland. During the free event, artists will open their studios and welcome visitors into their creative spaces. Guests can explore Rockland’s historic former […]
“Made in Maine,” the Maine Art Gallery’s annual member show, features more than 100 works of art across two floors of the historic Old Academy building in Wiscasset. The exhibition is on view through Oct. 18. Sara Stites of Thomaston, a new member, is showing at the gallery for the first time. Her oil painting […]
High Peaks Artisan Guild in Kingfield features Western Maine watercolor artist Karen Jordan Paul throughout September. Paul draws inspiration from wildlife found throughout Maine, particularly wild birds and fish. The guild celebrated Paul as its featured artist of the month during the Sept. 4 Kingfield Art Walk. High Peaks Artisan Guild is at 245 Main […]
Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle presents “Material Storytelling,” a three-artist exhibition featuring new work by Sheep Jones, Michele Ratté Delphin and Barbara Sullivan, through Oct. 11. The three artists use distinct materials and techniques to explore narrative, light and the quiet poetry of everyday objects. Jones brings her signature combination of oil and cold wax […]
Photographer Melonie Bennett will discuss her exhibition and debut monograph, “Holy Cow!,” from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts in Portland. The event will include an interview, reading and book signing. Photographer and writer Robert Diamante, a friend and fellow photographer, will interview Bennett. “Holy Cow!” presents an […]
Centre Street Arts Gallery in downtown Bath will open its fall show during the Bath Art Walk from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 18. The gallery represents 20 local artists and will feature new work in its fall exhibition. Visitors can meet the artists, explore the show and enjoy refreshments during the reception. Centre Street […]
Maine artist Daryne Rockett will present “Restoring Liberty,” an exhibition of monotypes and mixed-media work, from Oct. 2 to Nov. 24 at the McDade Gallery at Bangor Public Library. The exhibition brings together two interconnected bodies of work examining freedom, democracy, justice and hope. In a series of layered monotypes, the Statue of Liberty appears […]
Maine Craft Weekend, an annual statewide celebration of craft, community and creativity, will return Oct. 3 and 4. The free, self-guided tour invites visitors to discover the people, places and stories behind Maine’s craft communities. Hundreds of participating artists and locations will host open studios, workshops, pop-up markets, exhibitions, fairs, artist talks, special events and […]