Meet Our Panelists:

Anita Roelz Metalsmith at Circle Stone Designs

I am a metalsmith who is primarily self-taught working out of my home studio in Woolwich on Montsweag Bay. I have been making jewelry and supporting my family since 2009. My prior career involved selling and marketing as well as design and research on mural projects my partner painted primarily in private homes. Being the other half of an art based business since 1994 gave me the background to develop my own line of jewelry designs that are entirely hand crafted by me in my studio. 

I create work that is elemental in style and rugged in structure. Each piece is uniquely created using metalsmith techniques to achieve rich and unusual textures. I work in recycled gold and silver and source my gemstones ethically. I believe that details matter right down to the recycled materials I utilize for my packaging. 

My inspiration is not unique, Mainers are hardy souls who draw on their love of the state and nature. Mine is reflected in my work by the patterns and textures I create in each of my pieces. I achieve my goals by utilizing a melding of metalsmith techniques I have honed over the years. I am constantly building new work with new processes. 

One constant in my jewelry is that each piece works well on its own or in concert with other pieces. My root belief is that jewelry is an expression of self and should convey an energy that is palpable and resonate deeply with the person who wears it. 

Susan Mills at Markings Gallery

Mills is an artist working in several mediums to include mixed media, photography, fiber related arts as well as theatrical set design and costuming.  Her work has been shown in galleries and museums on the east coast and in the southwest as well as on the island of Bermuda. Currently she is one of the owners and the manager at Markings Gallery in Bath. She makes her home in Bowdoin Maine and shares the land with two above average cats and fellow artist, co-conspirator and beloved husband, Rick Bonnett.

Mills continues to work in photography, mixed media and theatrical set design. She sculpts objects and creates environments to photograph and at times to serve as actual theater sets for performances.  Most of her commissioned work is for theaters, galleries, private collections and publications. She offers classes in felt making and Shamanic Arts.

Nikki Pilgrim at Caravan Artist Market

I'm a painter & artist first as well as the founder, organizer & one-woman show behind Caravan. As a NH native, I received my BFA from the Maine College of Art in 2007, with a focus in printmaking & have since been living, & making art on the coast of Maine. 

I am a habitual maker, I have always been compelled to be producing work in a variety of mediums, after completing my undergrad, I found my happy place in painting. 

I love opulent color, movement, pattern, & funk. While some of my paintings contain symbolism, my work of late is purely inspired by the beauty that we are surrounded by here in Maine. 

I take endless inspiration from being outside in my garden & in nature with my family. From the mountains, to the woods, to the beach. I find so much therapy & influence from my time spent on the coast, especially with the ocean, & watching the waves. The abyss of the sea is like a temple to me, the moody blues, constantly changing, the movement, the reflection of light, & its vastness.

After loosing access to a press, I (re)started as a mixed media artist. I began painting on wood, primarily with watercolor, & have since developed my own techniques. My partner, then frames my work for me, in a way that compliments & turns every painting into a beautiful lasting keepsake. Working on wood lends me so much freedom, & flexibility, with integrity. It allows me to achieve more layering, color saturation, contrast, & boldness not commonly found in traditional watercolor paintings - while still embracing its lovely translucency, ability to move, wash, & blend.

I work from my home studio in Bath, where painting revolves around our small family of 3, & is always at the heart & center, of our plant filled, sun drenched dinning room. It’s where you can find me working from morning into late in the night.

Catherine McLetchie at The Good Supply

Catherine McLetchie is the founder and owner of The Good Supply, an artisan store based in a historic barn in Pemaquid. Working with 100 artists and small businesses from around Maine, Catherine promotes their craft while supporting a seasonal staff of women. A childhood on an island in South Carolina, a degree from Wellesley College (whose mission is to educate women who will make a difference in the world), and a mentorship with a women-led direct trade company based in the Pacific Northwest came together to encourage Catherine to incorporate her business in 2012. The focus of the small business is to cultivate creativity and community and to support those who make by hand. Developing a unique business philosophy, innovative business practices, and prioritizing people over profits is allowing her to coalesce in the creative community.