MCA Master Craft Artist Award 2013

I am honored and pleased to have been asked to create the Master Craft Artist pin for 2013's recipient Theresa Secord, a Penobscot basket maker from Waterville, Maine.  As MCA Exective Director Sadie Bliss says, "Secord was selected for this award equally for a career of excellence in her own craft work as well as deep contributions to craft in Maine, specifically support of native basket makers.  The Maine Crafts Association is proud to join a long list of organizations and institutions, such as the Maine Arts Commission and First People's Fund, who have recognized how Secord's basketry, dedication, relationships, and arts administration skills have contributed to traditional craft in Maine and throughout the United States."

I decided to play with my reticulated series and split the pin to create negative space.  I also liked the idea of joining pieces to make a whole.  Here's how the pin came together:

I hope Theresa will respond to the textural surface design, along with the addition of the shiny silver balls and 10x8mm black lace agate. 

This is the back of the pin--highlighting the award and event.  Supporters of Theresa Secord, Maine Indian Basket Makers Alliance, and the Maine Crafts Association are invited to attend the award ceremony Thursday, May 9th, during a special reception at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.  The public is invited to attend the award presentation from 6:30-­‐7:30pm, which will include the pin presentation. 

I am truly honored to be a part of such a special event!

MCA and Me

The MCA or Maine Craft Association is a wonderful organization that I belong to.  They support all Maine crafts and for the last 3 years have operated a retail shop in Gardiner where I am fortunate enough to display some of my jewelry. 

Each year 2 craftspeople are named Master Craft Artist and this year tThe Maine Crafts Association has named ceramic artist Lynn Duryea of Deer Isle, Maine as its 2012 Master Craft Artist. Duryea is one of Maine’s established, nationally renowned craftspeople with an extensive career in making, outreach, and innovating in craft.  Each recipient receives a gift of a unique Master Craft Artist pin made especially for them by a Maine jeweler and this year's jeweler is ME! 

I created this heavily reticulated silver pin with added silver balls and 3 turquoise cabochons.  The balls travel down the pin from the top stone and wiggle their way down to the bottom stone.  I think its abstract quality will speak to Duryea. 

This is the back of the pin--highlighting the award and event.  Wednesday evening, July 11th, the award will be given during a special reception at George Mason Gallery in Damariscotta Mills, Maine. The award ceremony will accompany the opening of the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts Founders Exhibition, featuring work by Lynn Duryea, George Mason and Chris Gustin.

I am honored to be a part of this!

Busy, Busy

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I've been really busy.  Here's a sampling of projects I've been working on. 

I turned these felted mice into holiday ornaments--they're for sale at the Center for Maine Craft in Gardiner.  I love making felted things--it's another way that I keep my hands busy and my creativity flowing.  I can do things at night when I have little energy or concentration for creating jewerly. 

Another project keeping me busy is a fun quilt class at Alewives Fabrics.  This is the first quilt that I've made in years and it's the first one I've sewn with my machine.   Last night was the last class, 4 weeks flew by, but I love what I've done so far.  Just look at those fabrics!!!

I have made some new jewelry too, but you'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to see.

The Inspired Hand V

Look for 3 of my cuff bracelets on display at The Inspired Hand V show, January 20 - March 16, 2012.  This is a juried exhibition of work by members of the Maine Crafts Association.  The show will be held at the University of Southern Maine-Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster Street in Lewiston.  I am honored and pleased to be included in this show.