The Cherry Wept. Jean McLaughlin, artist
On September 4, Jean McLaughlin, artist and an owner/member of Mica Gallery in Bakersville, will be among other artists nation-wide chosen to become honorary members of the American Craft Council (ACC) College of Fellows. The ACC is a national nonprofit that, since 1975, has recognized artists, scholars, teachers, curators, philanthropists and advocates whose legacy, commitment and contributions to craft are exceptional.
When the ACC recognizes McLaughlin, it will be for a lifetime of professionalism in the arts, particularly in North Carolina. “I spent the first half of my career helping to advance the role of artists in our communities through the North Carolina Arts Council and the second half strengthening Penland School of Craft so that it would remain a sound resource and retreat for artists well into the future,” McLaughlin says. “I wanted my third act to be immersed in my own creative process.”
Jean McLaughlin’s chapbook
This year has been a particularly busy one creatively for the artist. In the spring, she completed a new body of work with master lithographer Perry Obee at Obee Editions, and her first chapbook of poems, Remembering As Souvenirs, and a letterpress broadside with Kimberly Obee at Wishing Flower Press & Bindery. In June, she traveled to Italy to draw the rich architecture the country offers.
Her lithographs grew out of a long-time observance of trees, including ones left behind after Helene. At the same time she was making “tree portraits,” she was also completing a chapbook of poems written over the last seven years with the support of her monthly writing group. “It is through the act of writing that I am able to incorporate observations and reflect on experiences,” McLaughlin says. “My responses to the prompts always end up being some form of memoir or sharing of memories; many are informed by family and travel.”
Her work “Martin de Porres” is a broadside that includes a poem she wrote last January about Saint Martin of Charity along with a drawing of the statue that memorializes him.
The chapbook, broadside and tree lithographs are all on display at Mica Gallery through the end of the year.
“For more than 50 years, the American Craft Council has recognized our country’s most extraordinary craft artists and advocates by designating them ACC Fellows and Honorary Fellows, respectively,” says Andrea Specht, executive director of ACC. “2026 Honorary Fellow Jean McLaughlin is a giant in our field. Her leadership over 40-plus years enabled generations of makers to pursue craft-centered lives and livelihoods in North Carolina and beyond. And it continues to inspire all of us working to champion American craft today.”
McLaughlin will travel to Minnesota to receive the award. “I have always believed in the power that creative activity offers humanity/society,” she says. “To be recognized by my peers for my work, both at the NC Arts Council and at Penland School of Craft, helps me to know that I was able to meet this challenge, to whatever degree, to help others explore their creative lives.”
Mica is an artist-run gallery of fine art and contemporary craft located at 37 North Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville. Follow the gallery at MicaGalleryNC.com, on Facebook at Mica Gallery NC or on Instagram at micagallerync.
