Maine traditional arts masters announced

Thomas Cote, an Acadian woodcarver from Limestone; Susan Barrett Merrill, a weaver and spinner from Brooksville; and Paula Thorne, a Penobscot basketmaker from Exeter, were among the five “traditional arts masters” announced by the Maine Arts Commission Monday. They will each will receive a $4,000 stipend to train an apprentice during the coming 12 months. The program is funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Folk and Traditional Arts program.

This year's “traditional arts masters” – including fiddler Greg Boardman of Auburn and Quebecois accordionist Normand Gagnon of Rumford – are scheduled to perform and demonstrate their crafts during the free Maine Arts Commission's Fellowship Showcase at Rockland’s Strand Theatre on Oct. 23.