Mia Bane weaving a path for the arts in the Catlin Gabel school community | Humans of Catlin Gabel
By Brittney Haldorsen ‘25
Photo courtesy of Catlin Gabel School (CGS)
Mia Bane, the youngest of four siblings, grew up in the picturesque outdoors of New Hampshire where she spent countless hours playing with dogs and building forts. Her creative spirit was nurtured by her mother, a quilt artist who influenced Bane's lifelong passion for sewing and the arts. Her mother consistently reminded her about the value discomfort brings with personal development.
Bane graduated from high school in 1986 and pursued a degree in journalism and English literature at the University of New Hampshire, earning her diploma in 1990 after a brief stint as a copy editor. However, she quickly realized this profession wasn’t for her, and took an administrative assistant position at Antioch New England graduate school. Though initially resistant to the idea of teaching, her journey would soon take a transformative turn.
Following her graduation, Bane worked in corporate lighting, while freelancing in film and television. Her diverse roles included casting, prop–making, and food service, allowing her to explore various aspects of the creative industry.
A pivotal moment came when a friend invited her to speak to her students about lighting, giving Bane her first teaching experience with the production of “Into the Woods.” This opportunity ignited a passion for education and for the next decade, Bane dedicated herself to teaching theater and arts to children.
In 2015 Bane made the decision to relocate to Portland, where she discovered her current home at Catlin. The welcoming community immediately resonated with her. Bane got to meet and work with Elizabeth Gibbs, another of the theater teachers. Gibbs said “I remember thinking she seemed both incredibly competent and kind. I thought she would be super organized and I really, really hoped she was willing to work here, because I really wanted to have her be my work partner.”
She has since thrived in the creative, supportive community. Bane is about to celebrate her 10-year anniversary with Catlin next year.
Throughout her years of teaching at Catlin, she has taught a variety of classes, including sewing, jewelry making, and theater technology. Bane is particularly excited about reviving weaving as a part of the arts curriculum, and is passionate about increasing student participation in theatrical productions, believing that there is a role for everyone in the arts.
Her dedication to arts education and her multifaceted talents promise to inspire creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth in both her students and colleagues, making her a cherished member of the CGS community.