Poster Show 2026: Language

The AIGA Maine Poster Show returns in 2026 with a new theme: Language.

Each year, all designers, illustrators, and artists (including students, professionals, and hobbyists) from across Maine and beyond are invited to explore a shared concept through poster design. The resulting work highlights the range of ideas, voices, and visual approaches within our creative community.

Seventy-five poster designs were submitted by our community, of which 30 will be selected for this year’s exhibition and will travel across the state throughout 2026.

We’re honored to have this year’s submissions juried by Amy Hausmann, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. Selected posters will be printed, framed, and displayed in public venues in Portland, Bar Harbor, and Bangor, with free opening receptions welcoming the community to experience the work and meet fellow creatives.

Key Dates

Poster Submission

January–February, 2026

Judging

March 2026

Acceptance Notice

First week of April 2026

Traveling Exhibition

Portland: Month of May at Flatiron Café & Gallery (594 Congress St)

Opening Reception: First Friday Art Walk, May 1st from 5–7 PM
Free to the public; 20 posters (limited due to space) will remain on display during Flatiron’s regular hours; Tues-Sun 7:30–3:00 + Mon 7:30–noon 

Bar Harbor: June–September at Jesup Memorial Library (34 Mt Desert St)

Opening Reception: June 5th (time TBA)
Free to the public; all posters will remain on display during the library’s regular hours; Tues, Fri, Sat 10–5; Wed, Thurs 10–8 (closed Sunday & Monday)

Bangor: October–November at Bangor Public Library’s Cyr Gallery (145 Harlow St)

Opening Reception: October 8th (time TBA)
Free to the public; all posters will remain on display during the library’s regular hours; Mon–Thurs 10–8; Fri–Sat 10–5 (closed Sunday)

About the Poster Show

The AIGA Maine Poster Show is an annual exhibition celebrating poster design as a powerful medium for visual communication. By bringing the show to multiple locations around the state, we aim to expand access to design-focused programming and highlight the work of creative professionals and students in Maine and beyond.

The exhibition is free and open to the public, and all are welcome to attend the opening receptions.

Judging Process

The 2026 AIGA Maine Poster Show was juried by Amy Hausmann, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. Amy reviewed submissions from designers, illustrators, and artists across Maine and beyond, selecting thirty posters that explore this year’s theme, Language, through a wide range of visual approaches. The following criteria was used to select the winning posters:

• Technical Requirements: Submissions must adhere to the Open Call specifications for file type, color mode, resolution, and dimensions.

• Interpretation of the Theme: How thoughtfully does the poster engage with the theme Language? Entries may explore language in spoken, written, visual, cultural, symbolic, or typographic forms.

• Concept and Idea: Is the concept clear, original, and compelling? Strong submissions communicate a meaningful idea through creative thinking.

• Visual Communication: How effectively does the poster convey its message? Consider clarity, hierarchy, and how visual elements support the concept.

• Craft and Execution: Is the work well executed? Typography, composition, color, imagery, and overall production quality should demonstrate strong design craft.

• Originality and Voice: Does the work feel fresh and distinctive? Unique perspectives and creative risk-taking are encouraged.

• Impact: Does the poster capture attention and leave a lasting impression? Selected works should be engaging both individually and as part of the exhibition.

About Amy

Amy Hausmann is the Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. An arts leader and curator for more than three decades, she champions artists and integrates creativity into public life through acclaimed visual and performing arts programs—from major public and graphic art initiatives in the New York City subway system to her directorship at Olana, the Hudson Valley museum dedicated to American art and landscape. In Maine, she leads statewide efforts to strengthen cultural life, advance public art, and connect communities through creative expression. Guided by the belief that creativity bridges communities and generations, she advances advocacy, partnerships, and grants that foster participation in Maine’s cultural ecosystem.

Production & Showcase

In addition to presenting the selected works in gallery settings, the exhibition highlights the craft of poster design through high-quality production. Each poster will be digitally printed at 16×24 inches by MinuteMan Press on Mohawk Superfine Smooth Ultra White 216gsm paper, generously provided by Mohawk Paper.

The posters will be framed and mounted to gallery walls in each locations, with artist cards crediting the work. An AIGA Maine web page will showcase the artist’s statements that were provided for each piece. To further celebrate language and print culture, attendees of the opening receptions will receive complimentary copies of Kigelia—A Typeface for Africa, created by Portland-based type design studio JamraPatel, while supplies last.

Thank you to our Partners & Sponsors

Interested in partnering with AIGA Maine? Click here to download our 2026 Poster Show sponsor deck.

JamraPatel

JamraPatel is a Portland-based type design studio creating award-winning typefaces and supporting the global design community through education, collaboration, and typographic research.

MinuteMan Press

MinuteMan Press of South Portland is a locally owned print and marketing services provider offering professional printing, finishing, and production support to businesses and organizations across Maine.

Mohawk Press

Mohawk is a leading North American manufacturer of fine papers known for supporting designers, printers, and creative professionals through high-quality materials and industry advocacy.

Flatiron Café & Gallery

Flatiron Coffee Bar &  Pearl Gallery is a Portland café and exhibition space that regularly showcases the work of local artists and serves as a welcoming gathering place for the creative community.

Jesup Memorial Library

Jesup Memorial Library is a historic community library in Bar Harbor that supports arts, culture, and lifelong learning through exhibitions, events, and public programming.

Bangor Public Library

Bangor Public Library is a cornerstone cultural and educational institution in downtown Bangor, offering free access to learning, resources, exhibitions, and community programming for residents of all ages.