The Maine Crafts Association has named ceramic artist Lynn Duryea of
Deer Isle, Maine as the MCA 2012 Master Craft Artist. 

Lynn Duryea ROCK#3 2010, slab constructed terracotta low fire oxidation 13 x 18 x 6.5

Duryea is one of Maine's established, nationally renowned craftspeople with an extensive career in making, outreach, and innovating in craft. She is being honored for her excellent craftsmanship, inspired design, and the singular voice demonstrated by her body of work.  

Lynn Duryea is known for her minimalist sculpture, incorporating references to architectural, mechanical and industrial elements.

Duryea had already been a studio-artist in Maine for over 20 years before earning an MFA from the University of Florida in 2002. In 1986 she co-founded the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine, where she was Program Coordinator and Artist-in-Residence for the Watershed Workshop for People with HIV/AIDS from 1992-2004. She taught at the Sam Houston State University in Texas in 2003 and accepted a tenured position as Assistant Professor of Art, Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina in 2004.

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, has also been selected by the MCA to receive the annual Maine Craft award for their 25 years of contributions to craft in Maine, the United States and internationally.  In addition to their renowned residency programs, Watershed serves Maine communities through the Mudmobile program, clay workshops for people with special needs, collaborations with other non-profit organizations offering learning opportunities through art, and public lectures and events to open Watershed's studio environment and present artists for interaction with the local community.  

Duryea and Watershed will receive their awards at 6pm on Wednesday July 11th 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.  

All supporters of Maine craft, the Maine Crafts Association and Watershed Center for the Ceramic arts are invited to attend the award ceremony which include a short presentation and gift of a unique Master Craft Artist pin made especially for Lynn Duryea by Maine jeweler Christine Peters Hamilton.  

For more information:

Sadie Bliss, Acting Director, Maine Crafts Association

sbliss@mainecrafts.org / 207-588-0021

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts: 207-882-6075 /info@watershedceramics.org