The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation activities include the conservation and restoration of fine art, educational programs related to Conservation and development of new methods and materials for Conservation. The Maine Project funds its programs through grants and payments it receives in exchange for Conservation services.
News -
February 2012: Thank you to Artist & Craftsman Supply for their contribution toward a new Jack Richeson Crank Easel.
June 2011: Project MEAC received a grant from The Davis Family Foundation.
Conservation Services
The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation operates a Conservation laboratory in Portland, Maine. The Conservation services are provided by The Maine Project staff, with assistance from interns. The works of art restored in the lab belong to nonprofit organizations, such as museums and libraries, governments, individuals and businesses. The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation charges fair market value for its Conservation services. However, some projects may be funded by grants, and The Maine Project restores certain works owned by a government or 501(c)(3) organization for less than fair market value, perhaps in some cases without charge.
Educational Programs
Teaching and Outreach: The Maine Project's staff teaches courses and offers guest lectures in its facilities, colleges, universities, and museums. They are active in promoting public awareness of the value of fine art heritage and Conservation. Toward that end, the staff makes presentations on art, art history, and art conservation for grades K- 12 throughout the State of Maine. They also offer educational programs for insurance adjusters, insurance companies and agents in order to conserve works of fine art instead of being discarded. The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation's staff members have developed and presented lectures that are approved by the states of Maine and New Hampshire for continuing education credits for insurance adjusters and agents.
Professional Internships: The Maine Project offers internships through which University students receive college credit for time they spend working with the staff in the Conservation lab. The Maine Project also invites students from other institutions to work in the lab and some may receive college credit for doing so.
Sharing Information in the Professional Community.
The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation expects to develop exchange programs and working relationships with art conservation organizations, institutions, and individuals in the U.S. and abroad. The Maine Project will send its staff to professional conferences and other educational programs in the U.S. and abroad and may offer financial and other assistance to local Conservation students to attend such programs.
Improving Methods and Materials
The Maine Project for Fine Art Conservation expects to work with the chemistry departments of area universities and colleges to study and develop “green” methods and materials for Conservation.