The Maine Crafts Association (MCA), in partnership with the Maine Arts Commission and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, are excited to announce and support eight 2025 mentor/apprentice pairs selected for the Craft Apprentice Program (CAP).
MCA, now entering into its 10th year of CAP, will host six of the pairs, New Hampshire, now in its third year, will host two of the pairs.
This growing collaboration with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen strengthens ties across state lines, fostering a vibrant and connected craft community in New England. Together, these partnerships celebrate the enduring power of mentorship, creativity, and craft excellence in the region.
2025 Mentor + Apprentice Pairs:
- Diana Arcadipone with apprentice Cordelia Perry (ME, Paper)
- George Brace with apprentice Patricia Brace (ME, Blacksmithing)
- Grace Collette with apprentice Kaileigh Sargent (NH, Fiber)
- Jody Johnstone with apprentice Krystal Yavicoli (ME, Ceramics)
- Linda Perrin with apprentice Erin Bobo (ME, Glass)
- Martha Grover with apprentice Sophie List (ME, Ceramics)
- Pam Bartlett with apprentice Lynda Hadlock (NH, Fiber)
- Sarah Haskell with apprentice Amanda Pearson (ME, Fiber)
Launched in Maine in 2016, the Craft Apprentice Program offers emerging craft artists an invaluable opportunity to deepen their skills through immersive, in-studio learning. At the heart of the program is a meaningful partnership between apprentices and seasoned mentor artists, fostering growth and creative development.
Pairs apply jointly, presenting clear objectives for the apprentice’s artistic growth, a structured plan to achieve those goals, and a budget for the apprentice’s stipend. Both mentor and apprentice submit portfolios and other supporting materials. Over the course of seven months and 100 hours of focused, one-on-one studio time, the apprenticeship hones the apprentice’s craft techniques, professional practice, and creative direction. The program also provides funding to support this transformative experience.
The program culminates in October with an alumni gathering, a capstone exhibition, and a public reception showcasing works created during the apprenticeship. These events will take place at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine. In November, the exhibition will travel to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Headquarters & Gallery, offering a second opportunity to celebrate these artistic achievements.
Congratulations to the eight remarkable 2025 apprenticeship pairs! Maine Crafts Association, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, and the Maine Arts Commission are honored to support your journey as you refine your craft, develop your artistic voices, strengthen your business acumen, and build lasting connections within the craft community.
Thank you to the 2025 Jury Panel:
- Marian Baker: 2023 CAP Mentor & Studio Potter
- Marie Sugden: Exhibitions Coordinator, Waterville Creates
- Kate Saunders: Interim Executive Director, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen
The 2025 Craft Apprentice Program is supported by generous funding from the Maxwell|Hanrahan Foundation, Maine Arts Commission, and exhibition + alumni gathering sponsorship from Kennebec Savings Bank and Maine Home + Design. Program support comes from MCA organizational partner, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and MCA Cornerstone supporters Hay Runner & Woodhull.
For more information please contact MCA Program Manager, Lizz Brown lizz@mainecrafts.org