attention maine artitst!!!

Margaret Chase Smith Library Semiquincentennial Exhibition
E Pluribus unum: maine artists interpret a nation

Application deadline is April 17th

The Margaret Chase Smith Library is pleased to announce a call to artists for a semiquincentennial exhibition taking place during Summer 2026. In celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary, we are looking for art that captures the soul of America – its founding, its defining ideals, and its enduring consciousness – while also centering the spirit of Maine.

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Senator Smith sitting in her living room as Emily Muir paints her portrait. — Artist Emily Muir painting Senator Smith’s portrait in 1955

Mid-Century style living room with yellow couch, dining table, hearth, dark green walls, yellow drapery, and large window with natural light.

The Margaret Chase Smith Library is an archive, museum, educational facility, and public policy center devoted to preserving the legacy of Margaret Chase Smith, promoting research into American political history, advancing the ideals of public service, and exploring issues of civic engagement. The library houses the political papers, documents, honors, photographs, and memorabilia stemming from the thirty-two year congressional career of former United States Senator Margaret Chase Smith.

Senator Margaret Chase Smith holding the manuscript of her book "Declaration of Conscience." Click image to read her speech "Declaration of Conscience" — CLICK HERE FOR THE DECLARATION OF CONSCIENCE

Board room with large conference style table and eight wooden chair surrounded by built in book cases and large windows with natural light.

The library is located on fifteen picturesque acres overlooking the banks of the Kennebec River in Senator Smith's hometown of Skowhegan, Maine. Dedicated in August of 1982, the facility opened to researchers the following year. It stands as a worthy tribute to Margaret Chase Smith's personal integrity, commitment to public service, and historical legacy.