ESTABLISHED IN 2010, THE MAINE MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS IS THE ONLY MUSEUM IN MAINE DEDICATED EXCLUSIVELY TO PHOTOGRAPHY.

We also sell the work of contemporary artists at the MMPA Gallery.

The mission of the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts is to inspire, engage and educate through the exhibition, preservation and collection of photography, film, videography, installations and new media. The Museum’s programs will address contemporary, historical, cultural and conceptual themes through local, national and international exhibitions and public events. Our focus is on Maine’s vibrant community of photographic artists. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DENISE FROEHLICH

Denise Froehlich is the director, curator and co-founder of MMPA. She is also a professor of photography and has taught photography, film and Art History at numerous academic institutions including: Bates College, College of the Atlantic, University of New England and New England School of Art and Design/Suffolk. Denise's photographic images can be found in museums, academic institutions as well as private collections around the world. She is also a member of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries/AAMG and the New England Museum Association/NEMA.

JAN PIETER VAN VOORST VAN BEEST

Jan Pieter van Voorst van Beest is a documentary photographer who has been making photographs and living in Maine since the seventies. He studied photography at the Portland School of Art and later with Joyce Tenneson and Arnold Newman. His work has been widely shown and published both here and in the Netherlands. Jan’s contributes his excellent writing, editing, photographing and organizational skills.

Deb Dawson

Deb Dawson is a a fine art and editorial photographer and film maker. She studied at the Maine Media Workshops + College and SALT School of Documentary Study. Deb is the graphic designer- master mind behind our website, and does most of our marketing, design and text ads. She’s indispensable. In her spare time, she’s also a merchant mariner captain and a harbor master.

MMPA ADVISORY BOARD 2025

Centered on the idea that people serve as the foundation of any successful institution, the MMPA Advisory Board is an arc of expertise and vision, reinforcing the mindset of expansion and effectiveness. Comprised of members with a wide range of backgrounds, the Advisory Board is interconnected by the shared steadfast appreciation for photography. The Advisory Board gives MMPA credibility, support and the authority necessary for the museum to build its collection and programs.

JOIN US!

If you would like to be a part of MMPA’s mission to preserve, inspire and educate the world about Maine photographers and those inspired by our state, please consider joining our Board. Send us an email and telling us about yourself to: contact.mmpa@gmail.com