Meghan Quigley Graham, MA

Director of Learning & Teaching, Portland Museum of Art

Meghan Quigley Graham holds a B.A. in Art History from Wheaton College (Massachusetts) and an M.A. in Museum Education from Tufts University. With nearly 15 years of experience in the museum field, she brings a deep commitment to arts education and public engagement.

Her career has included influential positions at nationally recognized institutions such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the San Diego Museum of Art. Much of her work has focused on connecting K–12 students and educators to art through interactive gallery experiences. In Portland, Meghan has been instrumental in developing enduring partnerships with the Portland Public Schools, fostering student-led initiatives and integrating arts engagement into district-wide curricula.

She also leads programs for adult learners, including Art & Medicine initiatives, professional development workshops, and collaborative learning experiences that foster deeper reflection and connection through art. A dedicated mentor, Meghan has trained and supported emerging professionals and interns in the field of Museum Education throughout her career.

Passion in Art Education

Meghan’s greatest passion lies in helping people find meaningful connections through art. Whether working with students, educators, or healthcare professionals, she seeks to cultivate open, inclusive spaces where multiple perspectives are honored and explored.

“I love finding similarities and differences with others and demonstrating that there is no ‘right’ way to interpret an artwork,” Meghan explains. “Hearing the many different ways that we all view the same artwork helps to broaden and expand our thinking.”

Her work also addresses broader social and emotional skills—including empathy, critical thinking, and anti-racist practice—using visual art as a powerful vehicle for understanding and growth. She believes that art is not just a subject, but a vital tool for self-expression, identity exploration, and lifelong learning.

Why Online Learning Matters

As a working mother of two, Meghan understands firsthand the importance of flexibility in professional education.

“I’m so glad that MECA&D is offering online learning options so that opportunities for personal and professional development can reach more people,” she says. “Programs like these support adult learners by honoring their existing commitments while helping them grow in meaningful ways.”

The Impact of Arts Education

To Meghan, the value of arts education is clear and urgent:

“The arts are essential. They are part of what makes us human and allow us to gain empathy for others, all while expressing our unique perspectives in the world,” she shares. “Through the arts, we can imagine new futures, more hope, and express greater joy—things we need infinitely moving forward.”

By making the arts more accessible, Meghan strives to help individuals of all ages find their voices, connect with their communities, and see themselves reflected in creative spaces. She believes that educators must also remain lifelong learners—continually growing alongside their students and learning from them in turn.

Maine College of Art & Design Online delivers innovative, flexible learning experiences for aspiring and current art educators. Programs include a fully online Master of Arts in Education and Graduate Certificates in Expressive Arts Therapy and Arts Leadership and Administration.

To learn more about our program pathways, request information today.