The Maine Crafts Association (MCA), in partnership with the Maine Arts Commission and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, is proud to announce the seven mentor/apprentice pairs selected for the 2026 Craft Apprentice Program (CAP). Now in its 11th year, the program continues to honor the enduring power of mentorship, creativity, and fine craft across Maine and New Hampshire.
2026 Mentor + Apprentice Pairs
Albert Nhan + Chrystina Gastelum | Maine, Fiber
Jason Fox + Zachary Sherman | Maine, Wood
Malley Weber + Michelle “Misha” Oraa Ali | Maine, Ceramics
Nisa Smiley + Jesse Mixer | Maine, Jewelry
Shana Brautigam + Molly Ludlam | New Hampshire, Ceramics
Travis Clough + Hale Linnet | Maine, Fiber
Tyler Gulden + Janet Moran | Maine + New Hampshire, Ceramics
Together, these partnerships represent a dynamic cross-section of contemporary craft, rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.
Launched in Maine in 2016, the Craft Apprentice Program offers emerging craft artists a rare opportunity to deepen their skills through immersive, in-studio learning. Each apprenticeship is built on a meaningful partnership between an apprentice and an established mentor artist, fostering technical growth, professional development, and creative exploration.
Mentor/apprentice pairs apply jointly with clearly defined artistic goals, a structured work plan, and a proposed budget to support the apprentice’s stipend. Both participants submit portfolios and supporting materials for review. Over the course of seven months and 100 hours of focused, one-on-one studio time, apprentices refine their craft techniques, strengthen their professional practices, and develop their artistic voices with the guidance of their mentors.
The program culminates in October with an alumni gathering, a capstone exhibition, and a public reception at the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine, showcasing work created during the apprenticeship. In November, the exhibition travels to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Headquarters & Gallery, expanding the celebration to a broader regional audience.
MCA, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, and the Maine Arts Commission congratulate the 2026 apprenticeship pairs and are honored to support their journeys as they refine their craft, strengthen their business acumen, and build lasting connections within the craft community.
The 2026 jury panel includes Diana Arcadipone, 2025 CAP mentor and professional artist (paper/book arts); David East, executive director, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts; and Lisa Almeida, education coordinator, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.
The 2026 Craft Apprentice Program is made possible through generous funding from the Maine Arts Commission, with media and magazine sponsorship from Maine Home + Design. Additional program support comes from MCA organizational partner League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, and MCA Cornerstones Hay Runner & Woodhull.
The Tree That Became Everything August 15 – September 12 This Temporary Space in Thomaston is pleased to present The Tree That Became Everything, a two-person exhibition featuring Sophie Anna Gibbings and Wills Phillips. A public opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 15, from 3-6pm. Does a tree persist long after it […]
Discover artful objects to live with, wear, and cherish! Shop Maine Craft is excited to welcome visitors to the 11th Annual Portland Fine Craft Show in its new home at Lincoln Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Free and open to the public, the show brings together 100 juried […]
Plein air and Art of Alchemy shows wow the crowd Plein air and Art of Alchemy shows wow the crowd “The annual plein air show at Maine Art Gallery is always something special,” an artist selected for the exhibit commented at the opening reception last Saturday. “We get to go out and do the […]
Triangle Gallery in Rockland presents “Small Objects, Large Gestures,” featuring work by Judith Hoyt, Donna D’Aquino, Gene Shaw, Thomas Hill, Myung Urso, Mark Hartung, and Lisa & Scott Cylinder, is curated by Mike Holmes of Velvet Davinci Gallery. This show brings together old friends from the now-retired gallery and adds one familiar name, Gene Shaw. […]
The Kittery Art Association presents “Atmosphere,” an exhibition exploring the invisible forces that shape perception, energy and emotion, through Aug. 30 in Kittery. The exhibition invites artists to interpret experiences such as the electricity of connection, the calm before a storm and the stillness of a misty morning, transforming what is felt into something that […]
Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle will present an exhibition featuring work by Jadyn LaDeau, Adele Ursone and Sara Hotchkiss from Aug. 12 through Sept. 6. An open house will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 16, with a gallery talk at 3 p.m. Rooted in the tidal rhythms of Stonington, LaDeau paints the […]
The Deer Isle Artists Association presents “Expressions,” an exhibition showcasing a range of artistic perspectives and evocative styles, through Aug. 16 at its gallery in Deer Isle Village. The exhibition includes painting, printmaking, photography, weaving and woodwork by Marianne Alweis, Sarah Baskin, Sue Bolton, Ray Dinsmore, Steve Ettlinger, Mary Gage-Los, Jeri Gillin, Emily Johansen, Susan […]
Landing Gallery in Rockland presents “Just Passing Through,” an exhibition of 38 paintings by Liz Prescott, from Aug. 7 through Sept. 20. An opening reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 7 during Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk. The exhibition features a series of acrylic paintings inspired by Prescott’s time paddling and […]
Centre Street Arts Gallery in Bath presents a new summer exhibition featuring work by 22 local Midcoast artists. The exhibition includes work by Jillian Herrigel, Lee Liggett, Tara Dixon, Ed McCartan, Judy Conlan and Livy Glaubitz. The gallery will welcome visitors during the Bath Art Walk from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 21. Centre Street […]
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