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.
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