2025 MFA Thesis Exhibition Announced by Maine College of Art & Design
Title: Celebrating the MFA Class of 2025: Two-Part Thesis Exhibition at MECA&D and the Institute of Contemporary Art
This spring, Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D), in collaboration with its on-campus Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), is proud to present a dynamic two-part thesis exhibition showcasing the work of the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art Class of 2025. The exhibition, a culmination of intensive graduate research, interdisciplinary exploration, and creative growth, will run from April 18–26 and again from May 8–17, 2024, at the ICA located at 522 Congress Street in Portland, Maine.
About the MFA Program at MECA&D
The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art program at MECA&D is an interdisciplinary, low-residency program designed for artists who wish to develop a rigorous, self-directed studio practice. Combining immersive summer residencies with a highly personalized structure, the program fosters advanced studio practice and scholarly inquiry. Through critical discourse, mentorship, and innovative curriculum, students refine their creative voice while addressing issues relevant to contemporary society.
A Platform for Emerging Voices
The 2025 MFA Thesis Exhibitions exemplify the MECA&D program’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and artistic experimentation. Across both exhibitions, 17 emerging artists will present a diverse array of artworks including ceramics, drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture, sound installations, video, textiles, and poetry. Many of these artists explore personal narratives, cultural identity, ecological awareness, and mental health, providing visitors an intimate glimpse into pressing contemporary issues through the lens of artistic inquiry.
Exhibition Details
Part I: April 18–26, 2024
Opening Reception: April 18, 5–7pm
Featuring work by: Paige Friedman, Mark Ford, Jenna Girolamo, Isaac Kim, joce leo, Cynthia Nathan, Laura Oertel, Ana Rogers-Reed, Ryan Swedenborg
Part II: May 8–17, 2024
Opening Reception: May 8, 5–7pm
Featuring work by: Jordan Hanid Awan, Rachel Clark, Yessenia Gerace, Maxwell Hamblin-Compere, Carmen J. Hamilton, Maureen Hsu, Alice Stanne, Jenna Van Buekenhout
Both exhibitions are free and open to the public during ICA gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 12–5pm.
A Cohesive Vision Through Interdisciplinary Practice
What makes this thesis exhibition particularly compelling is its interdisciplinary nature. These 17 graduating artists embrace a range of media to construct immersive, emotionally resonant experiences. Their work reflects a shared dedication to cultivating meaningful dialogue surrounding identity, sustainability, interpersonal connection, and the evolving role of the artist in society.
With deeply personal storytelling and conceptual sophistication, the artwork invites viewers to look inward while also considering social and environmental contexts. Many of the projects are the result of years of dedicated practice, critique, and hands-on studio exploration encouraged by the MFA program’s faculty and mentors.
More Than an Exhibition: A Celebration of Growth
The MFA Thesis Exhibitions offer more than a gallery showing—they are celebrations of artistic evolution, intellectual rigor, and the powerful bonds formed within the MECA&D creative community. Visitors will witness not only the technical breadth of these artists but also the thematic depth of their inquiries.
Through this exhibition, MECA&D and the ICA aim to honor the transformative journey of these young artists while highlighting the cultural relevance and impact of contemporary art education. The events provide an exceptional opportunity for the public—art lovers, collectors, and fellow creators—to engage with work that is provocative, poetic, and passionately realized.
Visit and Learn More
To explore the MFA Thesis Exhibitions further or to plan your visit, please go to: meca.edu/ica.
Mark your calendars for the opening receptions on April 18 and May 8, and show your support for the next generation of artists shaping contemporary creative culture from the heart of Portland, Maine.