Bernard Osher Lecture Series
Since 1988, the Bernard Osher Lecture Series has been the PMA's flagship annual event, welcoming visionary cultural leaders, scholars, and thinkers to Maine to share their insights and experiences with museum audiences.
Previous Osher guest speakers have included Malcolm Rogers, former director of the MFA Boston, Theresa Secord, artist and founder of the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, photographer Susan Meiselas, and many more, discussing a wide range of issues, from trends in art to the business of museums to milestones in our cultural awareness.
Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York City was the guest speaker in 2018.
PMA Director Mark Bessire with 2017’s Osher guest speaker, Theresa Secord.
2023 Bernard Osher Lecture with Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw
2021 Bernard Osher Lecture with Dr. Adrienne L. Childs
2020 Bernard Osher Lecture with Margaretta M. Lovell
The annual Bernard Osher Lecture Series is made possible by the Peggy and Harold Osher Endowment at the Portland Museum of Art.