What is the history of the Maine Highlands Guild?
When I was finishing up in Pittsburgh, I got a call from the economic development council of Piscataquis County. They knew we were looking to come back to Maine; people on the council knew my husband and I and our families. They were looking for a contractor to do research on the cultural assets of the region and how they could be leveraged for economic development. The research led to the establishment of the Maine Highlands Guild in 2002. Describe what you do in your role as Executive Director. In my role I work to help artisans develop the skills through education to run viable businesses and to access new markets. We go to ten national wholesale shows annually to market local artists' work. In the past couple of years we have helped artists sell over $120,000 in placed works in stores throughout the US. We also have hosted a number of community events to bring art to the public. For instance, the first Wednesday of every month at (the restaurant) Abel's in Dover, we have art
