About
Craft materials, techniques and traditions are central to Maine’s history and landscape. Making, mending and imagining are woven into the values of both generational Mainers and new Mainers; and the Maine Crafts Association is proud to serve as a connection between people across time, through values and creativity.
The Maine Crafts Association was founded in 1983 to support and connect Maine’s craft artists. Today, our non-profit organization provides educational programs, storytelling initiatives, community and public events, artist promotion and other resources to connect emerging, mid-career and established craft artists, other makers and the general public through craft.
The Maine Crafts Association’s mission is to build upon Maine’s rich craft traditions by nurturing a vibrant, supportive, inclusive craft community with educational programs and resources.
The Maine Crafts Association is dedicated to serving a diverse network of Maine craft artists through celebrating accomplishments, connecting the community, advancing studio practices and growing businesses. Our goal is to lead and contribute to an arts ecosystem in Maine that benefits from and supports healthy, balanced, thriving studio practices and businesses of all Maine craft artists.
Educational Programs
Program goals of the Maine Crafts Association focus on: community building, storytelling, marketing opportunities, business development programs, creative/artistic development programs, public education, networking, and high quality branding.
The Craft Apprentice Program shares experience across generations in the studio.
The Weekend Workshop at Haystack brings craft artists together to learn and connect
Maine Craft Weekend celebrates craft across the state with hundreds of coinciding events each fall.
Educational workshops address trends and changing needs in craft
The Maine Craft Content Project shares the stories of diverse Maine craft artists
Our runway fashion show, STITCH celebrates Maine’s slow fashion movement
The annual Maine Craft Artist Awards inspire by honoring craft legends here in Maine
Our newest programs, Artist Retreats at Monson Arts, and Pollinators, a Maine craft mentorship program further advance our mission to bring people together through craft.
Membership
Membership supports the development of professional craft artists through education, exhibition and marketing opportunities. Established and emerging craft artists benefit from peer networking and informal mentoring which is an important component of all of MCA’s programming. Members are kept apprised of Maine’s lively fine crafts community through MCA’s e-newsletter and are listed in the online directory. Members can increase their visibility by adding photos, descriptive text and links to their websites. Other membership categories allow institutions, collectors and enthusiasts to participate in this dynamic community and support the goals of MCA.
By joining as a member you become a part of a statewide community linked by ingenuity, entrepreneurship, talent, fortitude, and devotion to craftsmanship, with the shared belief that craft can connect us across differences and unite us.
Support
The Maine Crafts Association derives annual income from memberships, board member contributions, annual fund donations, individual donations, corporate contributions, foundation and government grants, and program service fees.
By making a tax-deductible donation you support our work and our commitment to build upon Maine’s rich craft traditions by nurturing a vibrant, supportive, inclusive craft community with educational programs and resources.
Board of Directors
Representing a diverse group of artists and business leaders, Maine Crafts Association Board of Directors governs this 501c3 organization. Meet our Board of Directors.
Volunteers
The Maine Crafts Association is assisted by a committed and diverse group of volunteers who bring a wide range of talents and experience to all aspects of operations and programming. Standing committees comprised of Board members and volunteers plan and implement marketing and fundraising initiatives, plan and coordinate exhibitions and shows, and plan and coordinate workshops and other educational programming.