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:
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Albert Nhan + Chrystina Gastelum | Maine, Fiber
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Jason Fox + Zachary Sherman | Maine, Wood
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Malley Weber + Michelle “Misha” Oraa Ali | Maine, Ceramics
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Nisa Smiley + Jesse Mixer | Maine, Jewelry
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Shana Brautigam + Molly Ludlam | New Hampshire, Ceramics
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Travis Clough + Hale Linnet | Maine, Fiber
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Tyler Gulden + Janet Moran | Maine + New Hampshire, Ceramics
About the Craft Apprentice Program:
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.
Thank you to the 2026 Jury Panel:
- Diana Arcadipone | 2025 CAP Mentor + Professional Artist (Paper/Book Arts)
- David East | Executive Director, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts
- Lisa Almeida | Education Coordinator, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen
The 2026 Craft Apprentice Program is supported by generous funding from Maine Arts Commission, and media/magazine sponsorship from Maine Home + Design. Program support comes from MCA organizational partner, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and MCA Cornerstone’s Hay Runner & Woodhull.
For more information please contact MCA Program Manager, Lizz Brown lizz@mainecrafts.org