Jen Kelley, Board President JenKelley is a recent transplant to Bowdoinham. After growing up in New Hampshire and attending college in Vermont, she hit the road and moved across country to California. Five years later, she drove back across country, this time taking the southern route and settling in Atlanta. It took 30 years to return to New England, but she’s happy to now call Bowdoinham home. She has a varied background in the Entertainment industry which thanks to the virtual nature now of all things, she is able to continue. Jen began making pottery right before the pandemic started so she was thrilled to discover the pottery open studio and has since been an active participant. She’s excited to join the MAC board and thanks everyone for the warm welcome.
Ashley West, Treasure / Marketing Ashley lives in Bowdoinham with her small family, she grew up in Topsham and enjoys being in nature and sharing her love for creativity with her daughters. Ashley brings her enthusiasm and passion for the arts and is excited to help MAC continue to provide access to the arts for everyone!
Katie Hudak, Volunteer Coordinator Katie Lives in Bowdoin with her family and works with Pre-K students locally. Katie started volunteering with MAC in the Spring of 2023, with a focus on kids programing. We welcomed Katie onto the board in the Fall of 2023 when she became the Volunteer Coordinator. Katie loves the " Art for Everyone" mission of MAC and hopes to help us grow our programing.
Lisa Shannon Lisa has served on the Merrymeeting Arts Center board previously where she managed the studio classes. Lisa has been with Microsoft as a remote employee for over 25 years. She has two daughters both attending UMaine. She’s married to a potter, they are currently building their home and studio in Bowdoinham.
Ruthanne Harrison, Gallery Coordinator Ruthanne is an artist, teacher, and designer living and working in Richmond, Maine. She was born and raised in New York, but summers spent in Maine as a child drew her back here permanently as an adult. Growing up in a creative home full of art, books, and ongoing projects pointed her in a direction that she wanted to follow. The path has been winding, with many detours, but continuously intertwined with making and sharing art. Her most recent projects employ two contrasting mediums: One project is making augmented reality videos that explore issues of impermanence, mutability, loss, renewal, process over product. Her other project is Sturgeon Moon Maine, designing and sewing handmade garments made of natural fiber, block printed, and dyed with plant based dyes. She also teaches art and design courses as an adjunct instructor in the Maine Community College system.
Leah Dence, Secretary Bio coming soon!
In the Studio...
Zachary Fields- Pottery Manager Zachary is thrilled to be stepping into the pottery management role at Merrymeeting Arts Center. He has been teaching ceramics for 30 years and is passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of clay. A professional ceramic artist himself, he specializes in wheel throwing and raku firings: two things he's excited to share with the MAC community. As a recent transplant to Bowdoinham with his wife and son, he is looking forward to being a part of the creative community.
Nan Cumming- Program Manager Nan has just retired from a 35-year career managing nonprofits and cultural organizations in Maine. Most recently, she was the founding executive director of the Portland Parks Conservancy, a nonprofit supporting the public parks of Portland. Nan has previously served as the Executive Director of Portland Trails, Curator and Assistant Director of the Maine Historical Society, and campaign director for the Maine Island Trail Association. She holds a BA in Art History and an MA in American and New England Studies. Nan is looking forward to her time spent in the studio creating and learning with our other participants!
Cathrine Scanlon - Open Studio Attendant Bio coming soon!