The League of NH Craftsmen, in partnership with the Maine Crafts Association (MCA) and the Maine Arts Commission, is excited to announce the Craft Apprentice Program (CAP) pairings for 2025. CAP is an in-studio educational opportunity for apprentices who demonstrate a commitment to further their abilities as craft artists. They accomplish this through a significant relationship with a mentor artist. This will be the League’s third year of participation in the CAP, and the 10th year of the program.
Over seven months and 100 hours of focused studio time, the pairs will follow their approved plan to achieve clear objectives. A capstone exhibition will open at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine in October, and then travel to the Headquarters Gallery of the League of NH Craftsmen in November.
Congratulations to the eight inspiring 2025 CAP apprenticeship pairs! Maine Crafts Association and the League of NH Craftsmen look forward to supporting your apprenticeships and following along as you further develop and grow your technical skills, artistic voices, business prowess, studio management, and build new relationships in the craft community.
This year, the League is sponsoring two pairs with participants who reside in New Hampshire, and MCA is supporting six pairs. You may read more about all of the 2025 pairings below. We are excited to see where the year will take all of these artists!
Meet the Mentors + Apprentices 2025
Grace Collette + Kaileigh Sargent: Raymond, NH
This fiber-based rug hooking apprenticeship pairs mentor artist Grace Collette with apprentice Kaileigh Sargent for 100 hours of one-on-one studio training in Raymond, New Hampshire. Throughout their time together, Kaileigh will expand her knowledge of design principles, such as color planning and composition, while developing and applying these skills to her first rug design. As she progresses, she will explore various dyeing techniques, along with learning new textile skills like creative stitches, punch needle, and embroidery. The apprenticeship will also cover finishing techniques, including needle felting and embellishing with beads and novelty yarns, culminating in the submission of three pieces for jury consideration into the League of NH Craftsmen.
Pam Bartlett + Lynda Hadlock: Loudon + Manchester, NH
This fiber-based apprenticeship in rug hooking pairs mentor Pam Bartlett with apprentice Lynda Hadlock for 100 hours of training over seven months. Throughout the apprenticeship, Lynda will create a custom pattern inspired by her design ideas, transferring it to the backing and developing a thoughtful color plan. As she works, she will dye and prepare wool to match her design, exploring different textures and shades. Lynda will also refine her project as it progresses, learning advanced techniques and experimenting with alternative materials and 3-D effects to elevate the final piece.
Diana Arcadipone + Cordelia Perry: Otisfield + Norway, ME
This paper-focused apprenticeship will advance artist Cordelia Perry’s skills in handmade papermaking, bookbinding, and intaglio printmaking under the guidance of mentor Diana Arcadipone. Cordelia’s apprenticeship goals include mastering the art of creating handmade and decorative papers from recycled materials, exploring intaglio and eco-dye techniques to integrate into bookmaking, and refining bookbinding methods such as Coptic, Japanese Stab, and Dutch binding. Inspired by Diana’s ecological approach, Cordelia seeks to build a sustainable art practice while developing a collection of handmade books featuring their prints. Through 100 hours of one-on-one training in Diana’s studio and visits to other artist studios in Norway, this apprenticeship offers a deep dive into craft, ecology, and storytelling through paper arts.
George Brace + Patricia Brace: Milbridge + Waterboro, ME
This metal-based apprenticeship pairs mentor George Brace with his daughter, Patricia Brace, for 100 hours of one-on-one training at their family forge in Cherryfield, Maine, which dates back to 1802. Patricia’s first goal is to complete Level I of the ABANA curriculum, gaining expertise in core blacksmithing skills such as tapering, bending, heat-treating, and forge-welding, culminating in the creation of a gate latch. The second goal is to advance to Level II of the ABANA curriculum, focusing on small-scale joinery, forge welding, and classic scroll techniques, with the final project being a decorative grille. The third goal is a collaboration with George that will debut during this year’s annual Maine Craft Weekend statewide studio tour, blending the skills Patricia has learned and deepening their mentor-mentee collaboration.
Jody Johnstone + Krystal Yavicoli: Swanville + Portland, ME
This ceramic-based apprenticeship will immerse Krystal Yavicoli in the craft of wood fired ceramics under the mentorship of Jody Johnstone. The apprenticeship focuses on three key goals: learning the preparation, loading and firing of both the anagama and catenary kilns; developing Krystal’s body of work for wood firing, with an emphasis on refining her wheel-throwing techniques; and gaining insight into the business of being a craftsperson. Through intensive hands-on training and thoughtful mentorship, Krystal will deepen her understanding of both the technical and professional aspects of a ceramicist’s practice.
Linda Perrin + Erin Bobo: Ellsworth, ME
This glassblowing apprenticeship pairs mentor Linda Perrin with apprentice Erin Bobo for 100 hours of one-on-one training at Atlantic Art Glass in Ellsworth, Maine. Erin’s goals include developing a personal style by exploring natural influences in form and color through weekly critiques, sketching, and hands-on work in the hot shop. She also seeks to connect with Maine’s vibrant arts community, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and her background in horticulture. Lastly, Erin aims to build a cohesive portfolio for teaching and residency opportunities while refining her technical processes to advance both her artistry and ability to share her craft with others.
Martha Grover + Sophie List: Bethel, ME
This ceramic-based apprenticeship brings together mentor Martha Grover and apprentice Sophie List in Bethel, Maine, for one-on-one training that bridges artistry and professionalism. Sophie’s goals include expanding her body of work through critical discussions on design and technique, refining artist statements, and building a clay-based resume. She will also gain exposure to the broader ceramics community by visiting Maine potters’ studios, learning about ceramic history, and applying for juried shows. Finally, Sophie will explore the business side of being a full-time artist, covering topics like taxes, record-keeping, gallery relationships, and professional presentation. Working closely in Martha’s studio, Sophie will develop both her creative voice and her professional foundation in ceramics.
Sarah Haskall + Amanda Pearson: York + Gorham, ME
This fiber-based apprenticeship pairs mentor Sarah Haskell with apprentice Amanda Pearson for 100 hours of one-on-one training, focusing on weaving, spinning, and sustainable practices. Amanda’s goals include learning to spin thread from various fibers, such as wool, flax, and paper, while also exploring plant harvesting for natural fibers and creating a safe, eco-friendly dye lab. The apprenticeship will also dive into weaving techniques, including loom mechanics, color theory, and various weave structures such as twills and tapestry. Finally, Amanda will work on creating a portfolio of marketable textiles using handspun and naturally dyed fibers, while also designing workshops for community-based and school groups to promote craft education and sustainability.
Thank you to the 2025 Jury Panel: Marian Baker (2023 CAP Mentor & Studio Potter), Marie Sugden (Exhibitions Coordinator, Waterville Creates) and Kate Saunders (Interim ED, League of NH Craftsmen).
Thank you to all of the generous sponsors that make the CAP program possible!
