Bring Maine’s contemporary Art
into your Classroom

Virtual Look Inside: FREE Art Lessons from CMCA

Welcome to Virtual Look Inside, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s collection of over one hundred free online lessons that bring
Maine’s contemporary artists right into your classroom.

Each Lesson Includes:

  • Hands-on art making projects using accessible materials

  • Discussion prompts that spark creative thinking

  • Downloadable guides tied to Maine Learning Results

  • Bonus videos - artist interviews, virtual tours and studio visits

These lessons are designed to inspire your students, and make it easy for you to
bring contemporary art into your teaching.
Check out two sample lessons below.

K-2 | Ann Craven : Birds We Know

Inspired by the bright colors and experimental nature of Ann Craven's paintings in Birds We Know, students will create mixed media scenes featuring a bird of their choice.

3-5 | Anna Hepler : The Referee

Inspired by the sculptural work of Anna Hepler, students will create a slot sculpture piece that manipulates flat materials like cardboard and clay to create the illusion of depth.

Themed webinars that build connections between lessons are also included

For Maine Educators

All Virtual Look Inside lessons are FREE for Maine educators.
Sign up below to get full access to the lesson library and start exploring today!

Not a Maine Educator?

We’re excited to share these resources more widely soon!
Join our newsletter, and we’ll let you know when Virtual Look Inside opens up to everyone, plus you’ll get updates on CMCA exhibitions, programs, and artist features.

About CMCA Education

At CMCA, we believe every student deserves access to contemporary art and creative experiences. Our education programs connect artists, teachers, and learners across Maine — encouraging curiosity, imagination, and new ways of seeing the world.

Thanks to our sponsors