THE MAINE CRAFTS ASSOCIATION IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR OUR 2019 MASTER CRAFT ARTIST AWARD.
MASTER CRAFT ARTISTS RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
- Lifetime MCA Master Crafts Artist special membership
- Award certificate
- Recognition at the annual award presentation
- Special press release/website feature
- Special Master Crafts Artist exhibition at Center for Maine Craft
- Invitation to teach at MCA Weekend Workshop at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
- Inclusion in anniversary exhibitions, such as 10-year, 20-year (to be announced)
AWARD CRITERIA
This award is granted for a body of work and career of service in the Arts. Nominees’ work is judged through images of the body of work (and/or hands‐on examination of individual pieces),documentation of the artists’ career through resumes, portfolios, publications, etc. In reviewing the work of artists nominated for Master Crafts Artist awards, the jury is guided by these benchmarks: excellence in craftsmanship, inspired design, a singular voice or style, and a career of service to the field.
Excellence in craftsmanship is demonstrated by work that shows the highest standards of quality, a mastery of the medium far beyond basic and intermediate proficiency skills: attention to detail, and use of highest quality materials that further enhance overall design. Entire works are executed without technical flaw and meet their intended purpose, functioning impeccably.The appropriateness of technique and process are successfully united in pieces that show excellence of craftsmanship.
Inspired design is demonstrated by work whose design shows resolution: excellent
composition, employing tension and space to enhance overall design. Choice of materials and methods show innovation and mastery. Inspired design also surprises or intrigues the viewer.
Singular voice or style is an innate part of the master craftsperson’s expression. A conceptual richness evidenced in the work shows the nature, complexion and execution that mark the individual’s work as distinctive. It sets the work apart, not only qualitatively, but also in achieving an individual identity, readily recognizable as belonging to that maker.