The Equality Community Center (ECC) is excited to launch its new community art gallery on the second floor of the Center, featuring four themed exhibitions each year. The ECC is dedicated to highlighting artwork and providing a platform for underrepresented artists in Maine who explore and elevate LGBTQIA+ experiences, stories, identities, and more. Whether bold or intimate, political or personal, our gallery seeks to uplift voices and stories that reflect the ongoing journey of self-expression and belonging within the LGBTQ+ community.

Our 2025-2026 exhibition schedule is as follows. Opening receptions align with Portland’s First Friday Art Walks.

• RESIST & PERSIST

  Opening Reception: September 5, 2025 from 5-8 PM

  Exhibition Date: September 5 - December 23, 2025

• LOVE IS LOVE

  Opening Reception: December 5, 2025 from 5-8 PM

  Exhibition Date: December 5, 2025 - February 22, 2026

• FAMILY

  Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 from 5-8 PM

  Exhibition Date: March 6 - May 24, 2026

• PRIDE!

  Opening Reception: June 5, 2026 from 5-8 PM

  Exhibition Date: June 5 - August 23, 2026 

Eligibility

Open to artists across Maine and even those who may not identify as artists but have something meaningful to share. Artwork is not juried. All submissions will be accepted subject to space availability. Artists are expected to self-select which exhibition is most appropriate for their artwork(s).

Submission guidelines

• Submissions for all exhibitions are accepted on a rolling basis.

• We are only accepting two-dimensional visual art, at this time. The size limit is 36 x 24 inches. Submitted work that falls outside of these guidelines will not be considered.

• Artists must be the sole owner of any artwork submitted.

• Artwork should be appropriate to the theme of the exhibition. 

• Original Art is work conceived of and produced by that artist, rather than a reproduction, close interpretation, or imitation of works of another artist. 

• At delivery, all works should be wired and ready for hanging.

• Artwork that is intended to attack or incite hatred against individuals or groups will not be accepted.

• Artists can submit up to three works.

• For all submitted artworks, artists are required to sign a liability release form. The ECC is unable to insure artwork at this time and cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft of artworks. 

• Artworks should include the name, dimensions (inches (IN/”)), the medium, and date of creation (Month/Year). If artist wishes to publicize their piece for sale, they must include a price to display and provide a means of communication for interested parties to contact them. The ECC does not have the resources to facilitate the sale of artworks. Artists are responsible for managing their own sales. Once a piece has sold, the artist should notify the gallery admins and the piece will be marked as such.

  
  While not required by any means, the ECC welcomes artists to consider donating a portion of your sales to the ECC as a means to sustain the gallery space and help ensure future artists can access the opportunity for years to come.

questions?

Please email our gallery committee at gallery@eccmaine.org.