GARDINER – When the Center for Maine Crafts opens on the Maine Turnpike in November, the first exhibition will be “Deck the Halls: Limited Edition Holiday Ornaments” by Maine Crafts Association members.

The association is seeking handcrafted, limited-edition ornaments. They may be made of any material, but must demonstrate originality, technical skill and fine design. They must be designed exclusively for this event. Each ornament must be marked, signed, or have an attached label identifying its creator and edition number. Ornaments must come ready to hang, boxed for sale. Editions of from five to 50 pieces will be accepted. Ornament retail prices may range from $8 to $250 each.

MCA will split sales of the ornaments, with 60 percent going to exhibiting artists.

To apply, send a brief description and drawing, or a sample ornament, to Lynn Thompson, P.O. Box 376 Boothbay ME 04537, or lthompson@mainecrafts.org. Application deadline is Sept. 30. For more details, call Thompson at 449-1362.

The official turnpike plaza opening will be held Nov. 19. However, the MCA will also host a gala opening of the Center for Maine Craft when the limited-edition ornaments will be displayed.

Following the center’s opening holiday season, the MCA will inaugurate the 2009 exhibition season with a show of work in all mediums from longtime members, those whose memberships date back from 15 to 25 years.

Exhibitions will revolve throughout the year. Summer 2009 will feature “Remember ME,” an exhibition of artist-created souvenirs of Maine.

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