Maine Arts Commission Announces 2026 Craft Apprentice Program Artists

AUGUSTA, MAINE — 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 and 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.

The Craft Apprentice Program reflects the long-standing commitment to strengthening Maine’s fine craft sector through deep, studio-based mentorship, professional growth, and investment in artistic excellence. What began as a modest joint initiative has grown into a regional program supporting artists in Maine and New Hampshire and serving as a model for sustained, partnership-driven workforce development in the arts.

“2026 marks the 11th year of the program’s success, which started as a joint partnership between the Maine Arts Commission and the Maine Crafts Association in 2015,” said Julie Horn, Assistant Director of the Maine Arts Commission and a founding member of the program. “Since then, the program has expanded beyond Maine’s boundaries to include New Hampshire artists. CAP began, and continues to thrive, from a deep belief in supporting and sustaining the artistic quality of Maine’s craft artists.” 

2026 Craft Apprentice Program Mentor and Apprentice Pairs

            •          Albert Nhan and Chrystina Gastelum | Maine | Fiber

            •          Jason Fox and Zachary Sherman | Maine | Wood

            •          Malley Weber and Michelle “Misha” Oraa Ali | Maine | Ceramics

            •          Nisa Smiley and Jesse Mixer | Maine | Jewelry

            •          Shana Brautigam and Molly Ludlam | New Hampshire | Ceramics

            •          Travis Clough and Hale Linnet | Maine | Fiber

            •          Tyler Gulden and Janet Moran | Maine and New Hampshire | Ceramics

Together, these partnerships represent a wide cross-section of contemporary craft practices grounded in tradition, material knowledge, and innovation.

About the Craft Apprentice Program

The Craft Apprentice Program was launched in Maine through the Maine Arts Commission and the Maine Crafts Association to provide emerging artists with sustained, hands-on learning through one-on-one mentorship with established professional artists. Each mentor and apprentice team applies jointly with defined artistic goals, a structured work plan, and a proposed budget supporting the apprentice stipend.

Over seven months and at least 100 hours of focused studio time, apprentices deepen technical skills, strengthen professional practices, and refine their artistic voice under the guidance of their mentors. The program emphasizes both artistic rigor and long-term career sustainability.

The program culminates each fall with a capstone exhibition and public reception at the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine. The exhibition later travels to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Headquarters and Gallery, expanding public access and regional visibility for participating artists.

 Congratulations to the 2026 mentor and apprentice pairs. The Maine Arts Commission is honored to continue its role as a founding partner, funder, and steward of a program that strengthens Maine’s craft traditions while supporting the next generation of artists.

2026 Jury Panel

            •          Diana Arcadipone, 2025 CAP Mentor and Artist, Paper and Book Arts

            •          David East, Executive Director, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts

            •          Lisa Almeida, Education Coordinator, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen

Program Support

The 2026 Craft Apprentice Program is made possible through funding from the Maine Arts Commission, with media and magazine sponsorship from Maine Home + Design. Additional program support is provided by the Maine Crafts Association, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, and MCA Cornerstones Hay Runner and Woodhull.

Media Contact:

Lizz Brown

Program Manager, 

Maine Crafts Association

lizz@mainecrafts.org
mainecap.org