Advanced studies Program
Push your skills and creative vision to the next level
independent Study & Mentoring (ISM)
Our Advanced Studies: Independent Study & Mentoring (ISM) Program is a unique, one-of-a-kind offering in the United States as an immersive alternative to traditional higher education programs. Designed for both emerging artists and seasoned potters, this program offers a highly individualized ceramics education without the constraints of an academic institution.
Rooted in the rich tradition of mentorship and the hands-on transmission of knowledge from masterful potters, the ISM Program provides the space, structure, and support to help you hone your skills, develop an original body of work, and learn how to build a business in the arts. Participants work independently while receiving ongoing guidance from our nationally recognized team of Resident Potters, who collectively have more than 160 years of experience in both the making and business of fine ceramic art.
Once accepted, you may choose to be in the program for a minimum of one year and up to three years. During your time in the program, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to build a strong, cohesive body of work, one that reflects your unique artistic voice and prepares you for a career in ceramics or a deeply satisfying creative practice. Whether you dream of becoming a full-time studio potter, applying for residencies, exhibiting your work, or simply making more time for clay, the ISM Program offers the resources and relationships to help you get there.
General Program Information
Community Studio Access
ISM program participants enjoy access to a shared studio open seven (7) days a week (excluding holidays). Each ISM participant has a designated personal work area with shelving and a work table, providing a consistent, professional space to develop your body of work.
Included in the ISM designated shared studio area:
- Communal hand building tables and glazing areas
- Access to a slab roller, extruder, spray booth, and additional kiln room shelving
- Safety training and proper instruction on all equipment
NOTE: Wheel throwers should be prepared to provide their own potter’s wheel.
Personalized Mentorship
Each ISM artist receives regular one-on-one mentorship with Village Potters mentors, tailored to your individual goals—whether you’re planning a cohesive body of work, refining forms, or troubleshooting techniques.
You’ll also participate in group critiques, discussions, and community conversations that help you grow alongside other dedicated ceramic artists.
You are also encourage to register for any of our weekly classes (many of which are taught by our mentors) at a discounted rate.
Kiln Access & Firing instruction
ISM participants can work with a diverse range of firing atmospheres, including:
- Cone 6 (electric) and Cone 10 (gas) reduction and oxidation
- Alternative firings including a variety of raku, obvara, horse-hair and saggar techniques
- Wood- and soda-influenced atmospheres
All firings include proper instruction and hands-on learning so you understand each stage of the process. Kiln usage is billed monthly, separate from tuition, based on your firing needs.
Glaze Kitchen & Materials Support
Participants have access to a fully equipped glaze kitchen and guidance as you learn to mix and test glazes.
Glaze access by year:
- Year One: Access to ISM community glazes and the ability to mix your own glazes at no extra cost.
- Years Two & Three: Participants are expected to mix their own glazes; materials are billed using our glaze calculator (test batches remain free).
Health and Safety:
We are proud to be a barium- and manganese-free studio. These materials are known to pose significant health risks, so no clays or glazes containing them are permitted. By maintaining a non-toxic studio environment, we protect the health and well-being of every artist and create a space where creativity can flourish safely.
ProfessionaL Business Guidance
We’re invested in your success as a working artist. You’ll receive support with:
- Creating and managing a production schedule
- Marketing, branding, and growing your audience
- Developing sales strategies for galleries, online shops, wholesale, studio sales, and craft shows
- Craft show counseling, including where to apply, booth design, and travel logistics
- Photographing your work for applications, online sales, and social media
- Planning and setting up your own studio after completing the program
Skill Building & Creative Development
Throughout the program, you’ll experience demonstrations and instruction from mentors and visiting artists focused on:
- Strong forms and functional design
- Lidded forms, handles, attachments, altered forms, and sculpture
- Throwing, handbuilding, extrusions, and surface design techniques
Participants are also encouraged to take part in our weekly classes, which are offered at a discounted rate.
Program Details & Fees
Commitment: The Independent Study & Mentorship program requires a minimum commitment of one year, with the option to continue for up to three years. Applications are for one year with invitations to enter additional years.
Tuition: $550.00 per month (or 5% off full year if paid in advance: $6,270)
Additional Costs: Participants are responsible for the cost of their own clay, firings, and glaze materials. Use of the glaze kitchen included for the first year after which participants will be charged for mixing glazes (at a discounted rate). Small test batches are exempt from this charge. Fees will be billed monthly.
Limited apprenticeship Opportunities
A limited number of full-time apprenticeships are available for first- and second-year participants. Third-year participants often support their continuation in the program through the sale of their work.
If you are interested in being considered, please indicate this when you submit your ISM application. A separate apprenticeship application will be sent to you, and approval will be based on demonstrated financial need.
Ready to apply to the program?
Please click the button below for application details:
Dates for 2026-27 program: February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027
Application Deadline for 2026-27 program year: December 15, 2025
We can’t wait to see what you’ll create with us at The Village Potters Clay Center!
Meet Our mentors
Click on any name to read more about each mentor
Sarah Wells Rolland
Julia Mann
Judi Harwood
Maria Andrade
Katie Meili Messersmith
Karen Dubois
A look inside the ISM studio
From Our Previous Program participants
The ISM program is truly an invaluable experience. My technique and confidence in my work has grown exponentially due to the mentorship by master resident potters and flexible studio accessibility to practice. I have always been interested in glaze development and this program provided access to the materials, educational workshops, and insightful guidance from mentors to enable my glaze exploration to be successful. I truly believe the ISM program and TVP community offered everything I could dream of to transform me into a refined and knowledgeable potter.
I’m so grateful for the ISM program because it’s given me the space and resources to explore my own style beyond what I ever could have expected. Being in such a supportive community encourages me to push my artistic boundaries is an amazing experience.
Get In Touch
Have more questions about our Advanced Studies Program? Get in touch with us by filling out this form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.