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 Maine Crafts Artist Awards, the juror 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 superior command of the medium far beyond basic and intermediate proficiency skills: attention to detail, and use of 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 proficiency. Inspired design also surprises or intrigues the viewer.

Singular voice or style is an innate part of the established and acclaimed 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.

A dedicated career or service to the field of craft in Maine can be demonstrated by individual artists or organizations who have created or assisted in opportunities to further the practice of craft for others. Examples include craft instructors, arts administrators, curators, galleries or museum administrators and staff, education coordinators, studio coordinators, schools, arts writers and more.

MAINE CRAFT ARTIST AWARDEES RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

• Lifetime MCA membership
• Award certificate
• Recognition at the annual award presentation
• Annually created award pin that is designed to reflect the honoree
• Special press release/website feature
• Solo Exhibition at Center for Maine Craft (SMC Retail Gallery)
• Invitation to teach at MCA Weekend Workshop at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
• Invitation to exhibit at any scheduled Guild Fine Craft Shows (offered by Shop Maine Craft)
• Inclusion in anniversary exhibitions, such as 10-year, 20-year (to be announced)

Thanks to generous funding from The Maxwell|Hanrahan Foundation, each awardee will receive a $4,000 honorarium in addition to historical benefits and endorsements of the Maine Craft Artist Award through 2026.

NOMINATIONS – DUE APRIL 1, 2024

We aim to recognize a diversity of voices, backgrounds, cultural heritage, as well as exemplary contributions to the craft community and the field of materials-based practice.

To nominate an artist for the Maine Craft Artist Award please collect the following information, follow the link below, and fill out the form! Self nominations are permitted.

FORM CRITERIA:

– The media the artist works in / Professional title if nominating for a dedicated career of service to the field of craft
– Artist nominee’s email, phone number, mailing address
– Link to the artists website for portfolio review and/or bio, resume and CV
– A written description of the highlights of the nominees studio practice.
– A written description of the highlights of the nominees contribution to the craft community.

If this content is not available online, you may submit the materials directly to Simonne@MaineCrafts.org

The Maine Crafts Association is the proud recipient of a charitable gift from the Maxwell|Hanrahan Foundation in support of the Maine Craft Artist Awards. We are honored to accept this grant to build upon the 15 year legacy of the award by offering new benefits to future recipients.

The mission of the Maxwell|Hanrahan Foundation is to support innovative people working in field-based science, art and craft, teaching and protection of the natural world.

Thanks to generous funding from The Maxwell|Hanrahan Foundation, each awardee will receive a $4,000 honorarium in addition to historical benefits and endorsements of the Maine Craft Artist Award through 2026.

Meet the juror!

Donna McNeil is the Founding Executive Director of the Ellis-Beauregard Foundation. She is the former Director of the Maine Arts Commission and has spent her lifetime as an arts advocate in the for-profit, non-profit and government fields. She holds an undergraduate degree in painting from Syracuse University and a masters degree in art history from Harvard University as well as an honorary PhD from Maine College of Art where she was commencement speaker. She has curated numerous exhibitions, written two artists books, one which received the Excellence in Publishing Award from MWPA and served as juror and nominator on many panels including the NEA and MacArthur Awards.