Maine Artists Jeremy Frey and Margaret Pearce Awarded MacArthur Fellowships for Creative Contributions

Maine Artists Honored with Prestigious MacArthur Fellowships

October 9, 2025

Eddington, Maine, and Rockland, Maine – Two residents of the Pine Tree State have received national recognition with the announcement of the 2025 MacArthur Fellowships.Jeremy Frey, aged 46, and Margaret Wickens Pearce, aged 60, are among this year’s honorees, celebrated for their significant contributions to art and cartography.

Jeremy Frey: Weaving Tradition into Contemporary Art

Jeremy Frey, a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, carries forward the time-honored practice of Wabanaki basketmaking. Initially trained by his mother,Frances Frey,he further refined his skills through an apprenticeship at the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. Frey’s innovative approach to this traditional art form has garnered widespread acclaim.

The MacArthur Foundation highlighted Frey’s ability to “forge a singular aesthetic that blurs the boundaries between craft, design, and contemporary art.” His works have been displayed in prominent institutions,including the Portland Museum of Art in Maine,The Art Institute of Chicago,and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington,D.C.

Margaret Wickens Pearce: Mapping indigenous Perspectives

Margaret Wickens Pearce, a cartographer from Rockland, employs her expertise to explore Indigenous understandings of land and place. Her work emphasizes collaboration and the inclusion of diverse voices, providing a platform for Native American ancient, environmental, and political narratives.

According to the MacArthur Foundation, Pearce’s cartographic practice “reflects Indigenous worldviews and modes of knowledge-making.” Her creations have been exhibited at venues such as the Leventhal Map and Education Center at Boston Public Library and The Field Museum in Chicago.

Did You Know? The MacArthur Fellowship, frequently enough referred to as a “Genius Grant,” recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent and potential for future impact. It’s been awarded since 1981.

MacArthur fellowship: A Summary

Recipient	Location	Field	Age (as of 2025)
Jeremy Frey	Eddington, Maine	Visual Art/Basketmaking	46
Margaret wickens Pearce	Rockland, Maine	Cartography	60

The annual MacArthur Fellowship is presented to individuals across various disciplines – including writing, art, science, education, and entrepreneurship – who exhibit remarkable creativity and the potential to considerably benefit society. Each fellow receives $800,000, distributed over five years in quarterly installments, with no stipulations on how the funds are used.

Pro Tip: Exploring the work of these MacArthur Fellows offers a engaging look into the intersection of tradition, innovation, and social impact.

The MacArthur Fellowship’s emphasis on supporting individuals with the freedom to pursue their passions has consistently fostered groundbreaking work across numerous fields. Since its inception,the fellowship has become a symbol of intellectual and creative courage. The awards have a lasting effect on recipients and communities, fostering a surroundings of learning and innovative thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MacArthur Fellowship

• What is the MacArthur Fellowship? It is indeed a prestigious award recognizing exceptional creativity and potential for significant impact in various fields.
• How much money do MacArthur Fellows receive? Each fellow receives $800,000,paid out over five years.
• Who is eligible for a MacArthur Fellowship? Individuals across a wide range of disciplines who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise.
• What is Jeremy Frey known for? He is a visual artist who innovates within the tradition of wabanaki basketmaking.
• What is margaret wickens Pearce’s area of expertise? She is a cartographer who explores Indigenous understandings of land and place through her maps.

What are your thoughts on the impact of art and cartography on cultural understanding? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How do MacArthur Fellowships differ from traditional grant funding for artists?

Celebrating Maine’s Artistic Excellence: The 2024 MacArthur Fellows

This year, the MacArthur Foundation has recognized two exceptionally talented Maine-based artists, Jeremy Frey and Margaret Pearce, with prestigious MacArthur Fellowships – frequently enough referred to as “genius grants.” These awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate remarkable creativity, originality, and potential for lasting impact in their respective fields. The fellowships provide significant financial support, allowing recipients the freedom to pursue their artistic visions without the constraints of traditional funding models.This recognition underscores Maine’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for contemporary art and craft.

Jeremy Frey: Weaving Tradition into Contemporary Sculpture

Jeremy Frey (Penobscot Nation) is a Wabanaki basketmaker whose work transcends traditional forms, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary Native American art. His innovative approach to ash and birch bark basketry incorporates sculptural elements and explores themes of cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and the enduring legacy of Wabanaki traditions.

* Innovation in Basketry: Frey doesn’t simply replicate ancestral techniques; he pushes the boundaries of the medium. He utilizes unconventional forms, scale, and materials, creating pieces that are both visually striking and conceptually rich.

* Cultural Significance: His work is deeply rooted in Penobscot history and worldview.He actively engages with the cultural significance of materials and techniques, ensuring the preservation and revitalization of Wabanaki artistic practices.

* Environmental Awareness: Frey’s art often addresses the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on the ash tree, a vital resource for Wabanaki basketmakers. The emerald ash borer poses a significant threat, and his work raises awareness about this critical issue.

* Exhibitions & Recognition: Frey’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and the Portland Museum of Art. He’s a recipient of numerous awards and grants, solidifying his position as a prominent artist.

margaret Pearce: the Intricacy of Hand-Built Ceramics

Margaret Pearce is a ceramic artist renowned for her meticulously hand-built, large-scale vessels.Her work is characterized by a distinctive aesthetic – complex, layered surfaces, subtle color palettes, and a profound sense of materiality. Pearce’s dedication to the slow, deliberate process of hand-building sets her apart in the field of contemporary ceramics.

* Hand-Building Mastery: Pearce eschews the wheel, opting instead for the time-consuming and technically demanding process of hand-building. This allows for greater control over form and texture, resulting in uniquely expressive pieces.

* Surface and Texture: Her surfaces are not merely decorative; they are integral to the meaning of her work. Layers of slip, glaze, and other materials create a rich, tactile experience, inviting viewers to engage with the physicality of the clay.

* Scale and Presence: Pearce’s vessels are often monumental in scale, commanding attention and creating a powerful presence in the space. This scale emphasizes the labor-intensive process and the inherent weight of the material.

* Influences & Inspiration: Pearce draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including geological formations, natural landscapes, and the history of ceramics. Her work reflects a deep understanding of materials and processes.

* Gallery Representation: Pearce is represented by prestigious galleries, including the Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art & Design, showcasing her work to a wider audience.

The Impact of the MacArthur fellowship: What it Means for Maine Artists

the MacArthur Fellowship isn’t just a financial award; it’s a validation of artistic vision and a catalyst for future growth. For Frey and Pearce, the $800,000, distributed over five years, provides:

* Creative Freedom: The unrestricted nature of the fellowship allows artists to pursue projects without the pressure of grant applications or market demands.

* Resource Expansion: funds can be used to acquire new materials, equipment, or studio space, enhancing their artistic capabilities.

* Increased Visibility: The MacArthur Fellowship brings national and international attention to the artists and their work, opening doors to new opportunities.

* Community Impact: Triumphant artists like Frey and Pearce contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Maine, attracting visitors and fostering a thriving arts community.

Supporting Maine’s Arts Ecosystem

The recognition of Frey and Pearce highlights the importance of supporting the arts in Maine. Here are ways to engage with and contribute to the state’s flourishing artistic landscape:

* Visit Museums & Galleries: Explore the diverse range of art on display at Maine’s museums and galleries, including the Portland Museum of Art, the Farnsworth Art Museum, and numerous smaller venues.

* Attend Art Events: participate in art festivals, open studio tours, and artist talks to connect with local artists and experience their work firsthand.

* Support Arts Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that promote the arts in Maine, such as the Maine Arts Commission and local arts councils.

* Collect Maine Art: Invest in the work of Maine artists, supporting their careers and enriching your own life with stunning and meaningful art.