A craftsman sands a rail of a chair being made in the Thos. Moser workshop in Auburn.
A craftsman sands a rail of a chair being made in the Thos. Moser workshop in Auburn.

Made in LA is an interactive exhibition of the thriving yet often hidden creative makers in Lewiston Auburn, Maine, showcasing the ideas, processes and products driven by innovation and dependent on traditional and contemporary design solutions. The exhibition reinforces MECA’s focus on educating highly accomplished artists and designers and demonstrates the need for empowering a new generation of creative-problem solvers to work in both existing and emerging Maine companies.

Employees at Maine Thread Company in Lewiston cut and bundle the company’s signature waxed tapered handsewing threads.
Employees at Maine Thread Company in Lewiston cut and bundle the company’s signature waxed tapered handsewing threads.

Made in LA is open in the June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, 522 Congress Street, Portland, Maine from July 1-31, 2016. The exhibition will highlight the diverse range of manufacturing and artisan craftsmanship taking place in LA Maine. With recognition of a deeply rooted history in manufacturing, the present and future of these industries will be highlighted by showing how Lewiston Auburn maintains a thriving and growing community of makers and products. Participants in the exhibition include: Bourgeois Guitars, EllieAnna Purse Co., Elmet Technologies, Fashionuji, Globe Footwear, Maine Thread Company, McIntosh & Company Cabinetmakers, Modula Inc, Neokraft, Rancourt & Co. Shoecrafters, Sofia Fima and Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers. The exhibition is supported by Museum LA and sponsored by Baxter Brewing, the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, and Maine College of Art.  

The opening reception on Friday, July 1, 2016, 5:00–8:00pm is free and open to the public as part of Portland’s First Friday Art Walk.  

Made in LA is curated by Nikki Rayburn. Nikki received an MFA in Craft/Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2013 and a BFA in Woodworking and Furniture Design from Maine College of Art in 2011. Her work embraces traditional craft techniques, with training in woodworking, textiles, and basketry construction, and aims to honor the laborious and physical nature of one’s making practice. Nikki has exhibited her work extensively throughout the United States, and has work included in multiple permanent collections including the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, VA. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty and Woodshop Technician in the Woodworking and Furniture Design Department at Maine College of Art.

To learn more about Made in LA  or Maine College of Art, please visit meca.edu/made-in-LA. The June Fitzpatrick Gallery is open to the public, free of charge, Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00am–5:00pm, Thursdays until 7:00pm, and First Fridays until 8:00pm.

Founded in 1882 and located in the heart of Downtown Portland’s thriving Arts District, MECA offers BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in 11 studio majors, MFA (Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art), and MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) degrees. Pre-College and Continuing Studies programming are available for adults and youths. The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at MECA and Joanne Waxman Library are free and open to the public.