APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY
This ceramic-based apprenticeship brings together mentor Martha Grover and apprentice Sophie List in Bethel, Maine, for one-on-one training that bridges artistry and professionalism. Sophie’s goals include expanding her body of work through critical discussions on design and technique, refining artist statements, and building a clay-based resume. She will also gain exposure to the broader ceramics community by visiting Maine potters’ studios, learning about ceramic history, and applying for juried shows. Finally, Sophie will explore the business side of being a full-time artist, covering topics like taxes, record-keeping, gallery relationships, and professional presentation. Working closely in Martha’s studio, Sophie will develop both her creative voice and her professional foundation in ceramics.
MENTOR
Martha Grover (Bethel, ME)
Martha Grover is a functional potter, living in Bethel Maine. She creates thrown and altered porcelain pieces. She attended Bennington College in Vermont, where she received her undergraduate degree in Architecture. Martha received her MFA in ceramics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She has been awarded multiple residencies and fellowships including the Fogelberg Fellowship at the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, Sage Scholarship and Taunt Fellowship at the Archie Bray Foundation, and a yearlong residency at Red Lodge Clay Center. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, and can be found at galleries across the country. Her work has been featured in many publications including Ceramics Monthly, Clay Times, Pottery Making Illustrated, the Lark 500 series, and was the cover feature of Ceramic Monthly’s May 2010 issue.
“Sophie has been on an amazing upward journey in clay the last few years. Currently working as my studio assistant, it has been a joy to experience her thirst for new knowledge and watch as her work is continually growing and changing with each firing. The Craft Apprentice Program is happening for us at the perfect time in her journey and our mentor relationship. I look forward to seeing her work develop and professionalism grow this year.” – Martha Grover
APPRENTICE
Sophie List (Bethel, ME)
Sophie List is a functional potter from Bethel, Maine. She has been working with clay since 2022. Sophie’s work includes lots of surface decoration, specifically sgraffito and underglaze painting which has allowed a way to include her lifelong love of drawing and painting. She loves stories and draws inspiration heavily from mythology and folklore. She is also inspired by the beauty of nature that she was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by.
“Martha is an incredibly talented and well respected potter. Anyone who is able to learn from her is lucky to do so. We already have a great working relationship which I know would translate well into a more formal apprenticeship. I believe I can learn from her firstly, as an artist, and secondly as a professional potter. Not only will she help push my work artistically, she will also teach me what goes into being a full time working potter.” – Sophie List