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"In April 1988, The Maine Arts Commission voted to institute the first fellowship program direct support of artists. Fellowships of $2,000 each were envisioned to be divided among the various arts disciplines over a two-year period. The first fellowships included the visual arts and literature. In the first year 230 artists applied; from which six recipients were named. On October 14, the first fellowship winners were announced at the Portland Museum of Art and formally presented to the public and press. The Maine Arts Commission is proud to join many other states, the National Endowment for the Arts and numerous private foundations in recognizing the vital importance of our artistic community. With this modest beginning we hope to return a gift of time to leading Maine residents in acknowledging their creative spirit and recognized skill."

Alden C. Wilson, 1988
excerpted from, Maine Arts Commission Fellowship Program 1988-89