MIAMI – Katherine E. Merrill, an 18-year-old writer from Portland, and Matthew Hubbard Tyler, an 18-year-old filmmaker from Old Town, have each received $1,500 and national recognition through the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts’ Arts Recognition and Talent Search. They were selected from nearly 6,000 applicants nationwide.

They were among 99 young artists selected from across the United States to attend ARTS Week 2002 in Miami, the final judging phase of the ARTS program. All expenses were paid for their participation in the weeklong series of workshops, master classes and showcase performances.