The annual Youth Art Month exhibit at Portland Museum of Art features a diverse range of artwork from K-12 students from across Maine.

Students from schools in 38 cities and towns across a dozen counties are represented, including Appleton, Boothbay Harbor, Naples, Rockport, Sabattus, Portland and Waterville.

Portland High School freshman Sophia Savova’s “Tilly,” a drawing in graphite on paper, is part of the exhibit.

Savova was about 11 or 12 when she began pursuing art as a hobby because she was surrounded by artistic and creative friends. “It’s later than when most people find interests, but I really like the low pressure aspect of it,” she said.

Her art classes have been a safe haven from the pressures of schoolwork. “I tend to look forward to my creative time, and to just let go and express myself through my creations,” she said.

Savova said she’s been building skills to improve her craft. “As a perfectionist in many aspects of my life, I am still working on letting go of my perfect vision. I notice myself accepting the imperfections and moving on.”

Savova is proud, knowing that “Tilly” is hanging on the walls at the PMA. “It feels as though I am just like any other artist there and helps me better imagine myself following an artistic career.”

Presented by the Maine Art Education Association, Youth Art Month includes more than 90 works of art in various media, including paint, clay, photography, fiber and mixed media.

The exhibit’s goal is not only to showcase the talent of Maine’s young artists, but also to highlight the importance of art education and fostering creativity and expression.

The Maine Art Education Association is statewide professional organization whose members are committed to excellence in visual arts education. The group includes K-12 art teachers, as well as museum educators and art instructors in higher education.

Kari McCarthy, the association’s secretary and a Brunswick Junior High School art teacher, said each teacher can select one piece of art for inclusion in the PMA exhibit.

“It’s a pretty big honor,” she said.

The association has about 210 members, and similar art shows take place in the Waterville area and further north. The exhibit at the PMA is the largest.

McCarthy’s selection was sixth-grader Piper Cunningham’s painting, “Untitled,” of tempera on paper.

“It’s beautiful. It’s a piece that went above and beyond as far as the creativity she put into it,” she said.

McCarthy also spoke about the significance of art education.

“It’s super important right now as the world becomes more visual,” she said. “It’s also one of those few hands-on opportunities left for kids.”

IF YOU GO

Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square. Through April 5. 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, $20, $18 seniors and students 22 and over, free for 21 and under, free on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. 207-775-6148. portlandmuseum.org.

See the entire exhibit online at portlandmuseum.org.