Melinda Mayhall Memorial Award in Indigenous Craft

This award celebrates excellence in craft by Indigenous artists (First Nations, Metis, Inuit), and is open to those working at any stage in their career. The Mayhall family sees supporting Indigenous Craftspeople as a key priority in craft.

Established in 2022 by family, in memory of Melinda (Mindy) Fuller Mayhall, who was an accomplished artist and long-time supporter of craft throughout Ontario. Mindy was born and educated in Indiana, earning a BA in 1961 from DePauw University before moving to Canada with her husband John in 1970 where they worked together with Inuit communities. This move marked the beginning of her education as a craft artist, where she began explorations in textiles, alongside collecting the work of local craft artists in wood, ivory, and soapstone.

Through her connection with the Ontario Arts Council, Mindy enrolled in a basket making course with Ankaret Dean, which launched her career as a non-traditional basket maker using a multitude of materials.
She became a community champion for basketry, including serving as the Chair of the Basketry Network, and organizing basketry workshops in the Couchiching, Ottawa, and Toronto areas. She further developed a teaching practice across the country, and exhibited work in galleries and museums internationally
Mindy served as a Board member of Craft Ontario from 1999-2004, including Board President, and lead the Emerging Professionals planning Committee. She received the Mather Award for Lifetime Achievement In 200l for her work to support craft artists throughout the province
After many years as a basket artist, Mindy turned her creativity to beadwork, and this continued until a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease ended her craft career. Mindy passed away in October of 2020.

Past Recipients

2025: Amber Sandy
2024: Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona
2023: Michel Dumont
2022: Flora May