The Portland Public Schools is proud to announce that art created by two PPS students is among the more than 40 student artworks on display in a statewide student art showcase in the state capitol.

The artworks of Casco Bay High School student Penelope Schofield and Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) student Anna Maria Loboda are among more than 40 pieces selected by a jury of professional artists to be displayed at the Capitol Complex in the Maine Excellence in Arts Education Exhibition. The exhibition, which opened March 18 and runs until May 28, 2026, is on display in the Cross Office Building behind the State House.

Both students’ work was among the approximately one thousand Maine works of art submitted this year to a national youth competition, the Scholastic Arts & Literary Awards, organized locally by Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D). The two students were among more than 200 students receiving awards through the Scholastic competition. The artwork on display in Augusta was selected from among the Scholastic Award submissions.

Penelope Schofield’s printmaking piece, “The Window,’ and Anna Maria Loboda’s painting titled “Mom’s Love” are among the paintings, drawings, digital imagery, photography, collage and graphic arts from students around the state chosen to be part of the state exhibit.

Annually, the Maine Arts Commission partners with MECA&D and Maine’s two Congressional offices to highlight exemplary high school student artists through the state exhibition, which represents the breadth of creativity of high school students from around the state.

“All these student artists thrive through the careful and dedicated mentoring of their art teachers, along with the encouragement of their friends and families,” the Maine Arts Commission says.

Schofield’s art teacher at Casco Bay High School is Alexandra Taraschi and Loboda’s teacher at PATHS is Elizabeth Long, instructor in the school's Commercial & Advertising Art program. “Congratulations to Alex and Liz for their amazing art teaching,” said Casco Bay Principal Priya Natarajan.

Taraschi said of Schofield's work: "I think that her creativity is really coming out in this piece. She was inspired by some of the student examples that were shown in the unit and took her work to a more challenging level by cutting her two prints into puzzle pieces and collaging them back together.  Her hard work and attention to detail really paid off."

Regarding Loboda, Long said: "I am so proud of Anna for her hard work and dedication! During the planning phase of this piece, Anna wanted to work at a larger scale and push her craft with acrylic paint. After settling on her concept, she photographed her mother, then made a collage in photoshop to create the final composition. She also learned how to prep her 11x14in wood panel before painting. Her attention to detail and many hours in and outside of class make her a wonderful choice for this honor."

Photos: “The Window” by Penelope Schofield (above and below) and "Mom's Love," by Anna Maria Loboda, below.