The Maine Crafts Association, in collaboration with the Maine Arts Commission, is supporting the development of a youth-focused craft mentorship pilot program. We are currently collecting interest from experienced craft artists across Maine who may wish to serve as mentors. Mentors may receive up to $3,000 for their time and expertise, and apprentices may receive up to $1,500 for supplies and equipment.
This early-stage initiative will be designed to offer studio-based, hands-on learning experiences for Maine youth, connecting them with professional craft artists for meaningful exposure to traditional and contemporary craft practices.
At this time, we are gathering names of potential mentors while the program structure and funding sources are in development. Artists who have previously participated in the Craft Apprentice Program, Pollinators, or other MCA mentorship initiatives are especially encouraged to respond, though all experienced Maine craft artists interested in youth mentorship are welcome to express interest.
To express interest or request additional information, please contact:
Whitney Gill, Maine Crafts Association – whitney@mainecrafts.org
Khristina Kurasz, Maine Arts Commission – khristina.kurasz@maine.gov
Zack Twenty-Five: Craft Mentorship for Maine’s Young Adults
The Maine Crafts Association (MCA) proudly supports Zack Twenty-Five, a new pilot mentorship program in Maine. This initiative invites Maine craft artists to become mentors to young adults (ages 18–24) who are aging out of the foster care system and seeking connection, purpose, and guidance.
Inspired by the life and memory of Zack Kuzma, a creative soul who struggled to find his “True North”, Zack Twenty-Five offers a pathway for young people to explore their values, hopes, interests, and future possibilities through the arts.
Participants are matched with caring, committed mentors: Maine-based artists who will work with them for two hours per week over six months. Mentors may receive up to $3,000 for their time and expertise, and apprentices may receive up to $1,500 for supplies and equipment.
This program supports a meaningful, skill-based learning experience rooted in one-on-one mentorship. It honors the preservation of craft traditions while fostering personal growth and potential career paths through hands-on education. Through the consistent guidance of their mentor, each young person will gain not only technical skills but also confidence, creative direction, and a supportive community.
In addition, Zack Twenty-Five activates craft artists as cultural leaders and connectors. Mentors are encouraged to introduce their mentees to the wider creative landscape of Maine – inviting them to studio visits, workshops, gallery openings, and events that foster belonging and broaden their vision of what’s possible.
Who is a good fit?
We are seeking mentors who can provide in-studio learning opportunities and share access to Maine’s vibrant arts and culture scene. If you are a Maine-based artist with a passion for craft and the capacity to nurture a young person through creative engagement and connection, we invite you to be part of this meaningful work.
Zack Twenty-Five is a collaborative pilot program offered through a partnership between the Maine Crafts Association, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Maine Arts Commission (MAC), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Education (DOE), and the University of Southern Maine (USM).
Let’s get the conversation started.
Contact:
- Whitney Gill, Maine Crafts Association – whitney@mainecrafts.org
- Khristina Kurasz, Maine Arts Commission – khristina.kurasz@maine.gov
to learn more about becoming a mentor in Zack Twenty-Five.