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 were 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.
The 2026 Winners
Taken together, these posters explore language as words on a page and as sound, symbol, gesture, memory, and belonging. Some designers lean into typography, using bold, expressive letterforms that stretch, layer, fragment, and shout, while others translate language into image: a bird carrying the words “You Belong,” a heart mapped with handwritten text, a quirky forest path spelling out “UPTA CAMP,” a delicate handmade paper sculpture, or a constellation of icons that reminds us listening can take many forms. Across the exhibition, language shows up in multiple alphabets, dialects, and visual codes: Arabic and Hebrew, phonetic spellings, data-like grids, collage, handmade marks, and quiet poetic statements. These varied approaches invite us to slow down, to decipher and decode, and to consider how meaning is shaped by culture, identity, and experience. The posters offer a vivid, layered portrait of Maine’s design community today. The work responds to this moment and to the shared experience of living in this place, reminding us how language can connect and challenge us, help us be heard, and teach us how to listen.
Opening Reception: First Friday Art Walk, May 1st from 5–7 PM [ RSVP here ] 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
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 6th from 2–4 PM [ RSVP here ] 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)
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 8th from 6–7 PM [ RSVP here ] 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 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 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 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 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 is a historic community library in Bar Harbor that supports arts, culture, and lifelong learning through exhibitions, events, and public programming.
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.
