Following the success of the "Year of Winslow Homer," the PMA strives to honor our heritage, while reflecting the changing landscape and culture of our community. In 2013, we continue to explore Maine's creative culture and foster the interpretation of European Modernism while presenting progressive exhibitions that address the world around us.

Our winter exhibition, Lois Dodd: Catching the Light, continued the museum's survey of great artists who find their creative voice in Maine. This selection was affirmed by the New York Times, which stated: "It is a loss that no New York museum could find room for this revelatory exhibition." During this time, we also presented the collaborative project Voices of Design: 25 Years of Architalx and the inspiring Youth Art Month, and began a long-awaited reinstallation of portions of our permanent collection, reinvigorating our galleries.

This summer, we bring The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to Maine with The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism, a spectacular display of modern art masterpieces. The PMA is the only northeast venue for this exhibition, and you will want to make time to see these European Modernist masterworks on view together. Our second major summer exhibition, Shangaa: Art of Tanzania, creates a platform for our increasingly diverse audiences to enjoy art that is not represented in our collection.

Looking ahead, we will open Ahmed Alsoudani: Redacted in September. Alsoudani, born in Baghdad, found his vision here in Maine at the Maine College of Art (MECA) and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. This exhibition will explore and broaden the notion of the 21st-century Maine artist.

As befits a museum founded by artists, the 2013 Portland Museum of Art Biennial: Piece Work addresses the core of our mission to explore the creative culture of our state and engage the vibrant community of contemporary artists living in and connected to Maine. And finally, in commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Winslow Homer's Civil War will feature works from the marvelous collection of Homer's graphics given to the museum by Peggy and Harold Osher.

A range of programs complements this compelling exhibition schedule. Cannon Rock Sessions, a new Winslow Homer Studio "think tank" program, will bring together Maine artist Anna Hepler and Don Perkins, president and CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, for a week-long residency at Prouts Neck--providing numerous opportunities for community participation and enrichment. Please also join us to celebrate and honor the 30th anniversary of our treasured Charles Shipman Payson Building with a special lecture by Henry N. Cobb, the building's esteemed architect, who will share his thoughts on Portland's past, present, and future.

Visit soon and visit often. See you at the PMA!