Alumni News Artists at Work Awards
Rachel Morris ’20 and Maia Parsons ’20 were named the 2020 MECA Fellows at Pickwick Independent Press, receiving a one-year keyholder membership, which provides opportunities to develop both their fine art and freelance/clientbased portfolios and broaden their artistic network. Pickwick Independent Press is a fine-art printing facility founded by Lisa Pixley ’07 and owned and operated by Pilar Nidal MFA ’13.
The Belvedere Fund for Professional Development in the field of crafts at MECA was established in 2008 and supports the professional and studio practices of BFA alumni who graduated in the last 10 years. The 2020 awardees were Jordan Carey ’19 Rachel Morris ’20, 10-in-1 Pen, screen print on lightweight mulberry, to purchase a large-format color printer for printing custom fabrics; edition of 7, 12” x 13, 2019. Aaron Patrick Decker ’12 to purchase a jeweler’s microscope for small-scale, detailed enamel work; Tim DeMuth ’17 to purchase a mortising tool to expedite and improve his woodworking practices; Kincaid Pearson ’19 to purchase a tufting gun to fabricate his rug designs; Naomi Russo ’19 to purchase a mortising tool to expedite and improve her woodworking practices; and Sam Thompson ’13 to purchase a new kiln. The 2020 selection committee was composed of Ebenezer Akakpo ’01, owner of the design company Akakpo & Co, Assistant Professor of Ceramics Kari Radasch ’97, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Textile & Fashion Design Betsy Scheintaub.
MECA Residencies Due to safety concerns and potential complications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, MECA came to the difficult decision to defer this year’s residency programs to 2021. While this was not an easy decision to make, we feel it is the safest and most respectful option for our artist residents, our residency caretakers, and the local communities where the residencies take place. All selected residents were informed of this update, and we will offer accepted artists the opportunity to participate in 2021. We are giving applicants until December 13th, 2020, to fully commit to next year’s residency dates and once all the applicants are confirmed, we will make an announcement celebrating our 2021 residents.
Other News
Jordan Carey ’19, Loquatseason Look 7, handwoven tweed jacket and three-color screen printed denim pants, 2019.
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Don Voisine ’73; Julie Crane ’86; David Driskell, Hon. DFA ’96; Gideon Bok ’98 (attended); and Tessa Greene O’Brien MFA ’16 had work featured in the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s’s Art You Love Annual Benefit Auction in Rockport, ME.
