Thanks to the generosity of Denham Ward and the Abbagadasset Foundation, this semester ten students at MECA&D will receive stipends to participate in internships that would have otherwise been unpaid.
Denham Ward is Secretary/Treasurer of the Abbagadassett Foundation, a family foundation started through the generosity of his wife, Debra Lipscomb's (now deceased), family. The foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations to facilitate student participation in enhanced educational opportunities like internships.
Ward believes internships are critically important because real-world experience “gives students insight into what the job actually is, which may further enthuse them of their choice or make them rethink their current goals.” Ward goes on to share that internships increase access to networking within their chosen field and can lead to enhanced opportunities post-graduation.
Historically, many internships have been inaccessible for students who may not be able to accept unpaid opportunities due to financial constraints. Ward believes that internships must be paid, which is why the partnership between the Abbagadassett Foundation and the Artists at Work program at MECA&D is a great match.
The Artists at Work program at Maine College of Art & Design is designed to help our students use their studio practice and creativity to both make a difference and make a living. The program cultivates opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Jessica Tomlinson, Director of Artists at Work at MECA&D, shared, "These internship stipends are critical to a student's ability to do an internship or not. Already we have seen increased interest from students who did not think these opportunities were available to them because of finances. Early access to any industry is fundamental in creating connections, building skills, and learning about possible career paths."
Thanks to the generosity of the Abbagadassett Foundation, this semester ten students at MECA&D will receive stipends to participate in internships that would have otherwise been unpaid.
A retired physician and self-proclaimed “STEM-person”, Denham is excited to be involved in these creative endeavors and partner with MECA&D to provide opportunities for students in the arts. Learn more about the Artists at Work program here.
The internships for the Spring 2024 semester are all 135 hours, earning three studio elective credits, and include the following:
Sophie Erickson
Senior, Animation and Game Art
Internship Site: Made Up Games (Portland, ME/Brooklyn, NY)
Working remotely on “Pine: A Story of Loss,” a narrative video game that follows a woodworker through grief and loss, using animation, music, and interaction to create an accessible experience that takes the user on an emotional journey. As an intern, Sophie will have a direct impact on how effectively Pine tells its story and contribute to the animation pipeline from rough to color.
Charlotte Hardy
Senior, Animation and Game Art
Internship site: Puckerbrush Animation (Rockland, ME)
The studio is owned by alum and faculty member Hanji Chang who specializes in narrative animation. They will be working on translating Bhutanese oral history into animation for an upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.
Makena Schwab
Senior, Animation and Game Art
Internship site: Puckerbrush Animation (Rockland, ME)
The studio is owned by alum and faculty member Hanji Chang who specializes in narrative animation. They will be working on translating Bhutanese oral history into animation for an upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.
Charlotte Martin
Senior, Illustration
Internship Site: Katie Fischer Design (Cape Elizabeth/NYC)
Charlotte will be supervised by alum Cyra Bernal, who interned at the company a year ago as an unpaid intern and was subsequently hired on after graduation. The studio creates luxury invites and stationary for discerning clients.
Emerson Frost
Junior, Illustration
Internship site: Maine Audubon (Falmouth, ME)
Working with Audubon’s communications team to create illustrations for different publications, assets, and collateral, both for print and digital use. Potential uses include a guide to flora and fauna of the Presumpscot River, a young person’s guide to birds, a schoolyard guide for birds in the Bangor area as well as signage for sanctuaries with artwork about the birds on site.
Troy Meir
Senior, Illustration with Music Minor
Internship site: John Fireman Studio (Portland, ME)
Working with sound artist John Fireman on creating specific sound installations for a collaboration with the Maine Film Association.
Zachary Liljeholm
Junior, Graphic Design with Public Engagement Minor
Internship site: Sierra Club (Portland, ME)
Zach will use his graphic design and animation skills to assist the Sierra Club with their advocacy efforts to address environmental challenges.
Olivia Moore
Senior, Photography
Internship site: Dylan Hausthor Studios (Portland, ME)
Olivia will intern with practicing artist and alum Dylan Hausthor to learn about how to manage a studio, including organization, storage, maintenance, and management skills.
Margaux Lewis
Junior, Sculpture
Internship site: Love Lab Studio (Portland, ME)
At this internship with a children’s art making studio, Margaux willI work with young people to make a difference in their lives, help them develop a positive relationship with art and assist them with expressing and working through difficult emotions using art.
Emily Burnham
Senior, Illustration
Internship site: Love Lab Studio (Portland, ME)
Emily will assist the owner, and former MECA&D faculty member Christina Bechstein. She will help her prepare the materials for the activities as well as teach them to the students for the after-school program. Emily is interested in pursuing a career as an educator and this will help inform her decision.