Mia Bogyo

Mia Bogyo: Cultivating Connection and Creativity in Art Education

Mia Bogyo, the Director of Education at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) in Rockland, Maine, is dedicated to fostering community through the power of art. With an extensive background in K-12 art education and arts integration programs, Bogyo combines her passion for visual art with a strong drive to connect educators, artists, and communities. Her multifaceted career highlights the importance of both creative expression and collaboration, and she continues to impact the art education field in profound ways.

A Career Rooted in Art Education

Bogyo's path into art education was shaped by her lifelong interest in visual art. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Ceramics from the University of Southern Maine and later earned a K-12 teaching certification. Over the years, Bogyo has taught in both public and private schools while simultaneously working as a community artist. These roles allowed her to blend her love of art-making with her commitment to bringing people together through creative experiences.

"My passion has always been in making and looking at visual art," she reflects. "More recently, I’ve realized that my drive extends to building community connections through art."

Building Community Through Art Education

For Bogyo, the essence of art education goes beyond teaching technique—it’s about creating a space for connection and collaboration. “I am most passionate about creating community and connecting educators with organizations and artists,” she explains. “By doing this, we can build a larger arts community that supports one another.” This vision is at the heart of her role at the CMCA, where she works to bridge the gap between the arts and education, enriching the experience for both students and the broader community.

Preparing Students for Success

Bogyo believes that the strength of the online graduate programs at Maine College of Art & Design lies in its ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. This diversity creates a rich learning environment where students can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. “The ability to reach a variety of people with different backgrounds and experiences is one of the things that will make the online MECA&D programs successful,” she notes. "When these individuals come together, it diversifies the conversation and creates a cohort of students who can apply and integrate what they've learned into their future careers."

The collaborative nature of the program helps students develop not only their artistic skills but also their ability to work in a variety of professional contexts. By learning alongside others with unique perspectives, students are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the art world and the many careers it offers.

The Vital Role of Arts Education

Beyond the classroom, Bogyo is deeply committed to the broader impact of art education. She believes that arts education is essential because it nurtures creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think outside the box. These qualities are crucial in today's world, where innovation and adaptability are key to progress.

"Imagination and creativity are vital to the world," she explains. "Art educators, creative people, and individuals who can think differently are the ones who push things forward. They have the power to envision new possibilities and challenge the status quo, which is what drives change."

In her work, both as an educator and community advocate, Mia Bogyo exemplifies the transformative power of art education. Through her dedication to building community and fostering creativity, she is shaping the next generation of artists, educators, and creative thinkers who will continue to impact the world in meaningful ways.

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 Art Therapy and Arts Leadership and Administration.

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