MECA Timeline 1882-2015

1882: Founded as part of the Portland Society of Art

1911: First organized curriculum

1914: Acquired Charles Q. Clapp House at 97 Spring Street

1917: First certificates awarded for two years of study1920’s: First diplomas awarded by School of Fine & Applied Arts

1924: First diplomas awarded for 4 years of study

1934: Named changed to School of Fine and Applied Arts

1972: Name changed to Portland School of Art

1973: NASAD accreditation received

1975: First BFA degrees awarded

1978: NEASC accreditation received

1981: Baxter Building acquired1982: School separated from Portland Society of Art

1982: School separated from Portland Society of Art

1992: Name changed to Maine College of Art

1993: Porteous Mitchell & Braun department store building purchased

1996: 4th and 5th floors of Porteous Building completed

1997: Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA opened in Porteous Building, 1st floor of Porteous completed

1998: MFA in Studio Arts program launched

2001: Joanne Waxman Library relocated to 2nd floor of Porteous Building and New Media department created

2004: Illustration and Woodworking & Furniture Design majors established. Post-Baccalaureate in Arts Education established.

2005: Secured Oak Street Residence Hall

2006: Secured Shepley Street Residence Hall

2008: Clapp House sold to Portland Museum of Art. Admissions Center, Cafe and Administrative Center constructed.

2009: Sale of Baxter Building. Osher Hall constructed.

2010: Photography Department relocates to Porteous Building, marking the completion of a vision to have all academic, administrative and studio facilities under one roof.

2011: Construction of Karu Media Center on third floor. Public Engagement added as a minor.
MECA Cafe expanded.

2012:  Miles Standish Residence Hall opened.

2013:  Textile and Fashion Design major established.  The Artists at Work program space is developed in the former Art Mart space on the first floor.

2014:  MECA’s Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) program accredited.  Transformative gift of $3,000,000 from The Bob Crewe Foundation for a new music and art program announced.

2015:  Bob Crewe Program in Art and Music launched.  Writing Minor added.