Jazz, blues, reggae, rock, and folk music are featured in a variety of clubs in the historic Old Port district. The College campus is located in the growing Downtown Arts District along with museums, galleries, theaters, cafes, and boutiques as well as artists' studios. The state of Maine is well known for its extraordinary beauty, high quality of life, and rich artistic heritage. Over the past two centuries Maine has played a vital role in American art. Such renowned artists as Winslow Homer, Bernice Abbott, Edward Hopper, and Andrew Wyeth have all drawn inspiration from the Maine landscape and people.
Students draw inspiration from the landscape as well.
MECA is only two hours from the finest skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast and only ten minutes from beautiful beaches and island getaways. In 1996 MECA moved five of its seven studio departments into a renovated five-story historic building in downtown Portland. The College's newly renovated Porteous Building provides increased space, superior ventilation systems, and an inspiring location for artmaking. The professional excellence of the MECA faculty is well established, and the College seeks to ensure that students receive personal attention. All MECA instructors are accomplished, practicing artists.