Group of Farmington community members gather at on-campus art gallery.

Arts & Humanities

Ignite your creativity and curiosity

Explore Culture, Creativity & Critical Thinking

At UMF, students don’t just study the arts and humanities—they live them. Through hands-on experiences, you’ll actively engage with culture, expression, and human ideas. From publishing original work and curating exhibits to performing on stage and managing arts projects, UMF empowers students to turn creativity into meaningful impact.

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Two music stands with music sheets on top
Two music stands with music sheets on top

UMF Arts & Humanities Programs

UMF offers a wide range of arts and humanities programs, all grounded in hands-on, immersive experiences:

Whether you’re telling stories, designing experiences, or interpreting cultures, our programs give you the tools and opportunities to succeed.

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What Makes UMF Special

Hands-On Learning

Learning goes beyond the classroom. Students create, perform, research, and curate—turning ideas into real-world projects that build skills, confidence, and professional portfolios before graduation.

Vibrant Community

Join a close-knit, supportive community where faculty mentorship, peer collaboration, and engagement with local and global projects create a rich environment for learning and growth.

Affordable Quality

UMF offers one of the most affordable liberal arts educations in the Northeast, giving you a high-quality academic experience without the burden of excessive debt.

Beyond the Classroom

UMF students experience learning that extends far beyond the classroom. From the Emery Arts Center to community venues and digital platforms to fieldwork and research, you’ll engage in projects that matter like:

  • Curating and installing gallery exhibitions
  • Writing and publishing original fiction, poetry, and journalism
  • Composing and performing music on stage
  • Designing digital media ad interactive content
  • Producing theater and performance work

These experiences build confidence, skill, and a professional portfolio before you graduate.

Discover Experiential Learning
“After a couple of attempts at college, I just wasn’t sure about the best path for myself, but I followed the lure of Farmington’s Creative Writing program and applied and was accepted into the program, and I am so glad I did.”
Carrie Close
Creative Writing Student, Her debut book, What Have I Done?, was published by Unsolicited Press during her time at UMF.

Faculty Who Inspire

UMF faculty bring their expertise in both creative and humanities disciplines directly into your education. They guide students in developing critical thinking, creativity, and professional readiness.
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Amy Neswald
Amy Neswald

Associate Professor of Creative Writing

About Amy
Ann Bartges
Ann Bartges

Senior Lecturer/Director of Emery Community Arts Center

About Ann
Dawn Nye
Dawn Nye

Professor of Art- New Media

About Dawn
Jayne Decker
Jayne Decker

Principal Lecturer of Theater

About Jayne
Jeffrey Thomson
Jeffrey Thomson

Professor of Creative Writing

About Jeffrey
Jesse Potts
Jesse Potts

Associate Professor of Art

About Jesse
Lewis Robinson
Lewis Robinson

Associate Professor of Creative Writing

About Lewis
Lucas Kellett
Lucas Kellett

Associate Professor of Anthropology

About Lucas
Melissa Thompson
Melissa Thompson

Assistant Professor of Visual and Performing Arts

About Melissa
Michael Schoeppner
Michael Schoeppner

Associate Professor of History,

About Michael
Nicole Coffey Kellett
Nicole Coffey Kellett

Professor of Anthropology

About Nicole
Sarah Maline
Sarah Maline

Associate Professor Art History/Gallery Director

About Sarah
Steven Pane
Steven Pane

Professor Music

About Steven

News & Stories

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Painting by Phil Poirier - holding on
UMF Emery Community Arts Center presents “A Retrospective, Interrupted: Landscape Paintings by Phil Poirier” June 13 – Sept. 17
May 21, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME (May 21, 2026)—The UMF Emery Community Arts Center is excited to be exhibiting the artwork of Rumford native Phil Poirier with “A Retrospective, Interrupted: Landscape Paintings by Phil Poirier.”The solo exhibit will be on display in Emery’s Flex Gallery…
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Adam Tosch, UMF undergraduate student speaker
2026 UMF Undergraduate Commencement Speaker: Adam Tosch
April 24, 2026
UMF graduating senior, Adam Tosch, will give UMF’s undergraduate Commencement student address to the Class of 2026 on May 9. Tosch started his academic career at UMF in 2007 and recently returned to complete his bachelor’s degree in…
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Shana Youngdahl
UMF spotlights Shana Youngdahl, fiction writer and poet, as final spring Visiting Writer, April 16
April 02, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (April 2, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington is excited to announce Shana Youngdahl as the final reader of the 2026 spring semester schedule of its popular Visiting Writers series. Youngdahl will read from her work at 7:30 p.m.,…
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Bobbie Pirruccello_drawing
UMF presents student capstone exhibit “Beyond the Frame: Art & Design Senior Exhibition,” April 9-May 9
March 31, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (March 31, 2026)—Senior University of Maine at Farmington Art & Design students are presenting “Beyond the Frame: Art & Design Senior Exhibition.” The exhibit is featured in the Emery Community Arts Center Gallery from April 9-May 9, 2026. An…
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