2017 Master Doug Wilson with Apprentice James Crawford.

2016 Mentor Artist Doug Wilson with Apprentice James Crawford.

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS

The Maine Craft Association Apprenticeship Program is truly a gift for makers.The mentor/apprentice relationship is invaluable, and opens doorways into creative camaraderie and possibility that are both rare and essential for craft artists.

Katherine Ferrier, CAP ’23 Apprentice (textiles)

My experience as a CAP Apprentice propelled my growth as a potter. I did not get my degree in ceramics and community studios are not easily accessible to me because of where I live. Working closely with my Mentor gave me access to information, ideas, and guidance that would have taken me many years to figure out on my own. She has decades of experience, owns a successful business, and makes beautiful high quality pottery. My mentor quickly became the most valuable resource. Being paired with someone who is passionate about their craft and is eager to teach someone else made for a wonderful experience. As an apprentice, I felt supported by my mentor and through MCA. I had space to explore and also had the accountability to remain focused on my goals. This experience has directly benefited me as a maker and I would highly recommend it to any person who seeks intentional growth in their craft.

Lydia Johnson, CAP ’23 Apprentice (ceramics)

CAP is the quintessential program for providing artists the opportunity to accelerate their learning with an expert in the field – an opportunity rarely accessible to those with limited experience.

Sharon Gallant, CAP ’23 Apprentice (book arts)

A mentor/apprentice relationship is a two way path for creative growth. Both are learning and developing in the arts. I would encourage others to consider this program. It is very rewarding on so many levels.

Richard Reitz Smith, CAP ’23 Mentor (book arts)

It was such an honor to be chosen as a Mentor through CAP, I enjoyed sharing the skills and knowledge I have developed over the years. I look forward to seeing all the great projects my Apprentice makes over their career.

Matthew Arcara, CAP ’23 Mentor (luthier)

Maine CAP has been an incredible opportunity to dive more deeply into my textile craft, backed by financial and professional support. I so valued having the opportunity to work closely with my mentor over the course of the program; I was able to not only improve my technical weaving and design skills, but also to build momentum with my textile business, as well as confidence in sharing my work with a wider audience. I also value the connections I made with other local artists, and all of the conversations that were sparked throughout this program.

Amanda Affleck, CAP ’22 Apprentice (weaving)

The Craft Apprenticeship Program was a fantastic experience and an incredible opportunity to work with a very knowledgable mentor in their field of specialty. I have come out of the program with so much applicable knowledge, firing skills and confidence, and a wealth of information to reference in the future. I emerged from the experience as a more educated and skilled maker, with firsthand practical training in methods that will continue to benefit my craft and studio practice for the rest of my life.

 Rachel Herzer, CAP ’22 Apprentice (ceramics, glaze recipes)

Everything I know as a Potter has been handed down from one person to another for over 30,000 years, and Until 1992, this only happened face-to-face, in mentor/mentee-type relationships. Everything I know as a sgraffito artist has been handed down person to person, face-to-face, for 8000 years. Part of my job as a craft person, as an artist, is to teach as many people as I possibly can how to do what I do, how to live like I live, and how they can create and effectively use their own visual voice. The information I hand on through this program, in my opinion, is as important a measure, of my success as an artist as the pieces I create. The knowledge I use isn’t mine, and the CAP program allows me to act in acknowledgment of that. The CAP program literally allows more people to develop their visual voice, and join the conversation.

Tim Christensen, CAP ’22 Mentor (atmospheric kiln firing)

I loved the mentorship program. If I could do it every year, I would. I think mentors are invaluable and necessary for growth, and I think every craft artist should have a mentor until they are ready to become one. It is the best way to learn.

Grace Foxen, CAP ’22 Apprentice (machine knitting)

The ability to spend 100 hours over a seven month time frame allows for growth and the fine tuning of the apprenticeship making it both rich and valuable. This experience will move my work forward beyond what I had anticipated and has allowed me to create completely new work as well as growth in my present work. The opportunity for an ongoing exchange of ideas and the opportunity to pick a fellow artists brain at will for hours on end ……… nothing better! MCA walked us through the entire experience with finesse.

Jennifer Connor, CAP ’22 Apprentice (ceramic reliquaries)

This is a beautiful rare opportunity to work one on one with a student and dive deep into the complexity of the craft we love and devote our time to.

Emily O’Neil, CAP ’22 Mentor (machine knitting)

It was gratifying to have the time to take a student beyond weaving basics and see the results.

Alice Seeger, CAP ’22 Mentor (weaving)

I’d like to thank the Maine Craft Association and the Maine Arts Commission for fostering the relationship between craft and community. It is programs like the Craft Apprenticeship that can change the trajectory of an artist’s career, and I am so thankful for the opportunity of participate.

Ashley Page, CAP ’21 Apprentice (fiber/basketry)

The CAP program has literally opened wide a door for me onto a new path in life. I wanted to learn to be a better printmaker, and I have; what I didn’t anticipate is the degree of confidence and motivation I would gain through the increased skills, especially as tied together by participating in the final exhibit. I had never been part of an exhibit before, and was humbled and grateful to have my work shown together with such a stellar group of artists. Then, it was so rewarding to watch gallery visitors look carefully at my work, and ask questions about how I had created certain aspects, or why. That some liked my work enough to buy it was an added bonus! I am grateful to my mentor for the time and effort she dedicated to getting me started, and for her friendship. I am grateful for the Maine crafts community, and to where, in the words of my mentor, I have arrived.

Karin Eberhardt, CAP ’21 Apprentice (printmaking)

There is a wonderful alchemy that occurs between artist mentor and apprentice that not only is a conduit for the transfer of knowledge but allows for a mutual deep dive into one’s creative soul, exploring and sharing that, and then learning from the process. The CAP program facilities this in spades. From the application criteria to the closing exhibition, through each step of the program, the available resources, and connections made, are life changing.

Karin Otto, CAP ’21 Mentor Artist (printmaking)

I came out of this experience a whole new person and artist. I have confidence in running a business, talking about my work, and helping other artists. I feel like all the skills I possessed before this experience have been magnified. This program’s flexibility allowed room for my mentor to guide me while ultimately letting me carve my own path within the CAP guidelines, with the support and guidance of professionals. The opportunity to officially work one-on-one with a mentor, with financial help from an organization, feels incredibly significant in a field where the mentor/apprentice relationship is so crucial to its survival. Thank you, MCA and MAC for this incredible opportunity, I am honored to have been a part of it.

Aidan Fraser, CAP ’21 Apprentice (ceramics)

The CAP program was a tremendous asset to my growth as a craftsperson. I feel as though this experience has offered me a newfound confidence that I needed to grow and shift as an artist. Having a mentor to provide feedback and guidance gave me a structured learning environment that felt like the right mix of exploration and working towards a deadline.

Sheridan Cudworth, CAP ’21 Apprentice (ceramics)

The mentorship/apprentice program provided financial security for encouraging the acquisition of skills beyond what can be accomplished during regular class time . This time together was invaluable for lifelong friendship and commitment to our craft. It instilled confidence in moving forward with our goals. Thank you!

Elaine X. Fuller, CAP ’21 Mentor Artist (ceramics)

I have taught for a long time and always find that I am at my best when required to listen, think and explain. That process stays with me after the class, workshop, critique. It may just be that the personal relationship developed through our experiences will contribute the most to my vision for my work. I feel a little more open to the world.

Lissa Hunter, CAP ’21 Mentor Artist (fiber)

This is an excellent opportunity to expand ones skills. We are so grateful that Maine state funding is available to support crafts in this way! Such an important way to keep the skills relevant and ever growing.

Kenneth Kortemeier, CAP ’20 Master Artist (woodworking)

The Craft Apprentice Program was a very rewarding way for me as a metalsmith and educator to pay forward the generosity of my mentors who helped me early in my career.

Jayne Redman, CAP ’20 Master Artist (jewelry)

This is an incredible program that not only gives wings to “up and coming craft artists” but more profoundly builds strength and resiliency in flight.

Barbara Hopkins, CAP ’20 Apprentice (jewelry)

The CAP program is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to expand their artistic and creative horizons. Spending extensive time with a mentor is enriching on so many levels and also, at least in my case, landed me a life-long friendship.

Jennifer Marshall, CAP ’20 Apprentice (jewelry)

What a unique opportunity! I got to pass on the core of what I’ve learned over the past 49 years, and Cliff has a running start on a lifetime of creativity.

– Chuck Lakin, CAP ’20 Master Artist (woodworking)

The relationships formed by such mentor/mentee such s CAP has a ripple effect out into the broader community as it is about educating our audience as well. Sharing knowledge and “bringing up” the next group of skilled artisans has great value for the arts in Maine. Spending time, sharing knowledge with financial support is a very worthwhile thing to do.

– j.e. Paterak, CAP ’20 Master Artist (jewelry)

By providing financial support to both the master artist and apprentice, this program offers a unique customized learning experience that is unlike any other opportunities.

– Shelby Goldsmith, CAP ’20 Apprentice (jewelry)

The Craft Apprentice Program is such a fantastic program, and an incredible experience for both the Master and Apprentice! To have the opportunity to work with a more seasoned artist to learn techniques specific to your interest s, or to be able to pass your hard-earned experience and knowledge on to an eager individual who will apply it to their craft and life, and for this experience to be funded: what an incredible gift, all around! This has been one of my most enjoyable experiences as an artist and teacher, and I’m honored to be a part of this program. I’m also delighted to see it grow and thrive, serving deserving artist-partnerships for many years to come.

– Nisa Smiley, CAP ’20 Master Artist (jewelry)

The Craft Apprenticeship Program was incredible. From before I was even sure I was going to submit an application folks involved in the program were helpful and encouraging. I learned such valuable skills and refined others.

– Clifford Pettitt, CAP ’20 Apprentice (woodworking)

This program enabled me to create 3 new sculptures and to become comfortable and confident in my skills to work a new media- granite.

– Anne Alexander, CAP ’20 Apprentice (stone-carving)

Teaching an apprentice is more than passing on skills to another person. It promotes reflection and self-evaluation, allows for comparison and always has some learning benefits even for the master. It is a fertile exchange for the benefit of both participants.

– Thomas Berger, CAP ’20 Master Artist (stone-carving)

The CAP Program has allowed a continuity of community and educational mentorship through these incredibly challenging times.

– Tim Christensen, CAP ’20 Master Artist (wood-fired ceramics)

This program is a great way to network and gain momentum for your career as a craftsperson in Maine.

– Lauren Beach, CAP ’19 Apprentice (jewelry)

I think one of the greatest things about CAP was the length of time that we got to spend working together. I teach a lot of people to turn but the 6 hours that I spend in my normal beginners class with someone only allows us to get in the basics. With 100 hours we really got to go into detail about design and technique. If we had a problem we had the time to stop and examine what was happening and why. I’ve always felt that you learned more by overcoming problems and mistakes then you would if everything went perfectly.

– Kim Dailey, CAP ’19 Master Artist (woodworking)

The CAP apprenticeship was life-changing for me. I’d been dabbling in various crafts with a focus on jewelry for many years. Apprenticing with a master craftsman has focused my own creativity and brought jewelry making to the forefront in my life, where it should be!

– Lisa Neuman, CAP ’19 Apprentice (jewelry)

A wonderful program, allowing for the easy exchange of information and ideas.

– Joe Ascrizzi, CAP ’19 Master Artist (jewelry)

Being accepted into the MCA CAP program really helped authenticate the feeling I had of calling myself an artist.

– David Connor, CAP ’19 Apprentice (printmaking)

The CAP Program is an excellent opportunity for the next generation of makers to learn directly from the current generation, and to get that one-on-one support and guidance that is so imperative to the growth and development of a handcrafter.

– Nisa Smiley, CAP ’19 Master Artist (jewelry)

This is a great opportunity for both apprentice and Master. I was able to connect with an emerging artist with fresh ideas and lots of energy. I was able to help my apprentice with his direction.

– David Wolfe, CAP ’19 Master Artist (printmaking)

It was our major goal for me to start selling jewelry as a means of livelihood and I feel like my time in CAP was immensely helpful in beginning that process. I am working in my own home studio, successfully bringing my ideas into 3D, wearable form. I have meetings lined up with galleries to discuss them carrying my work and I am also working on several commissions. I’m not sure I ever could have gotten started in the way I did without the support of the program and Christine. CAP has been a huge gift to me and my practice – I have made connections with prominent people in Maine’s craft world and have gained some name recognition from it as well. I’m really ready to work hard and to keep on growing from this point.

– Nina Devenney, CAP ’18 Apprentice (jewelry)

I had established a logical sequence of techniques to be mastered, and as Nina progressed she incorporated an expanding tool box of techniques into her samples. In doing so she learned to push against her comfort zone, and took herself into new territory. The high level of interaction presents a learning situation for both master and apprentice that simply can’t be achieved in a ‘normal’ classroom. CAP maximizes many opportunities, and I consider my participation successful.

– Nancy Giesberger, CAP ’18 Master Artist (fibers)

I feel we had a very successful CAP. Accomplishments were vast—creating original work, having that work well received, and selling—yay! I was able to share years of knowledge with an eager student. For me the experience reinforced what is important to life and making.

– Christine Peters, CAP ’18 Master Artist (jewelry)

The Craft Apprentice Program allowed me to connect with a local community of artisans while furthering my skills and learning directly from a professional.  I was able to explore and refine, have a little bit of financial flexibility and truly realize how inspiring it is to be pursuing craft in Maine.

– Cara Taggersell, CAP ’17 Apprentice (glass)

It was such a surprise and exciting honor to be chosen for this apprenticeship.  It provided an element of healthy pressure in my creative process; a great occasion to rise to.  When I first heard that we had been awarded the apprenticeship it was as if fate came alone and said “”I’m going to give you this opportunity, now prove that you deserve it””.  I’m grateful to have been given this opportunity, and I am looking forward to being a part of the Maine community of artists and crafters for years to come.

-Carel Shonerd, CAP ’17 Apprentice (glass)

It was a great honor to be chosen by MCA & MAC for the program. It gave us a framework to try out a more structured apprenticeship mentor model. Ultimately it is very important to us to be able to include other artists in our studio and in our practice and we will use this experience to form various versions and models of this going forward. This program is a unique and amazing opportunity for a crafts person to spend substantial one on one time with a master developing their own independent work and skill sets. Whereas most apprentices pick up skills by shadowing the master in order to learn their process, this program provides access to a master as teacher and consultant. I think it is utterly unique allowing an apprentice to develop their own work based on what the master has to offer in skill, experience and studio facilities.

– Terrill Waldman, of Tandem Glass CAP ’17 Master Artist (pair with Charlie Jenkins) (glass)

As an educator in Machine Knitting Techniques and Advanced Knitted Fabrics at both MECA and RISD, I feel stronger than ever. Equally, as a designer and maker, I feel I developed a much stronger process for myself, and renewed my excitement for my practice in a way that I had hoped would happen. I am extremely grateful for having had this opportunity. It has really made all the difference in getting back into the studio, and into developing new work.

Anne Emlein, CAP ’16 Master Artist (machine knitting)

This experience has helped me to open many doors in my creative practice. I truly feel it has helped me to solidify a constant making schedule, whether I am knitting, sewing or building something I feel hungry to continue to make. And this will of course help to carry me to further opportunities as a craft artist, individually and within my community.

A. Rosie Allard, CAP ’16 Apprentice (machine knitting)

The Craft Apprentice Program a welcome addition to my teaching and mentoring history. I am particularly pleased that MCA and MAC have been able to partner in this new grant program.  The pleasure of working with James and the culmination of the program with an exhibition and gathering Lewiston reaffirms my belief that it is very important to share my love, skill and insight!

Douglas E. Wilson, CAP ’16 Master Artist (blacksmithing)

I think that I refined some important hard skills and technique for my future success as a craft artist, and developed a portfolio which will help me secure additional apprentice and journeyman opportunities. Not to mention the legitimacy of having participated in the program itself, and the continuing resources MCA provides.

James Crawford, CAP ’16 Apprentice (blacksmithing)

Participation in CAP has inspired me to revisit my old sketch book. It has reminded me how short life is, and how important it is to make your own dreams come true. When you spend seven months encouraging a young person to do just that, at some point you scratch your head and say “ oh yeah” that IS a good idea!! To think of myself as a master of my craft has been a new concept, one that fills me with pride and a drive to share my experiences in other teaching opportunities as my career continues to unfold.

Linda Perrin, CAP ’16 Master Artist (glass blowing)

The the knowledge and skills I learned and connections I made during CAP went beyond my expectations. I consider this experience successful in part because I was able to really immerse myself in the glass and think critically and actively about my goals. I have learned invaluable skills to add to my repertoire, learned more about glass history and various artists that have influenced the craft, listened to other glassblowers discuss their work and processes, and made connections with other artists all over the state. I’ve come to the end of this apprenticeship feeling extremely proud of myself, grateful to have learned from such a talented glassblower and teacher whom I consider a dear friend. Seven months ago, being a professional glassblower seemed impossible, and now I truly feel like becoming a professional artisan is actually an attainable goal for me.

Jacqueline Jensen, CAP ’16 Apprentice (glass blowing)

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