The Maine College of Art (MECA) is a fully accredited, degree-granting art college in the city of Portland, Maine. It should not be confused with the Art Institute of Portland which is located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1882, the Maine College of Art is the oldest arts educational institution in Maine. In addition to offering Bachelor, Post-Baccalaureate in Art Education and Master of Fine Arts degrees, the school has a continuing studies program for adults and high school students. MECA is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), a consortium of thirty-six leading art schools in the United States. MECA is located in the heart of Portland and educates artists at all stages of their creative careers. Maine College of Art's renovation of the landmark Porteous Building at the center of Portland's Arts District has been a major catalyst for downtown revitalization and has received national attention as a model of urban renewal. New classrooms and studios feature panoramic views of Casco Bay.