Advanced Ceramics Program: Independent Study and Mentoring (ISM)

Are you a potter or ceramic artist ready to push your skills and creative vision to the next level? Do you want mentors who will walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and expert insight into your journey in clay?

Our 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 develop your personal voice in clay. Whether you’re just beginning to establish your work or you’re seeking to evolve and redefine your creative practice, ISM offers a powerful platform for growth.

Over the course of one to three years, 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.

At The Village Potters Clay Center, we believe deeply in the power of community, mentorship, and craft. We welcome you to be a part of this exceptional journey.

Tentative Dates for Next Session: February 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027

 

Limited apprenticeships are available for first and second year program participants. This work/trade opportunity is awarded based on financial need and alignment with our mission and values. 

For additional information or questions contact us at info @thevillagepotters.com or call us (828) 253-2424.

Meet some of our current and former ISM participants.

 

A few testimonials:

“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.” – Avery Wells, 2017-2019

 

“At 60 years old, I found a whole new person: I — an artist.” – Tracy Hawkins, 2016-2018

 

“The ISM program at The Village Potters 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 in particular and this program has not only encouraged me to pursue that interest but provided access to the materials, educational workshops, and insightful guidance from mentors to enable my glaze exploration to be successful. I entered this program with very limited knowledge of how to fire any kiln and now can not only confidently fire my own electric kiln but have had such fun helping fire gas reduction kilns, raku/alternative firings, and even a Kazagama kiln. I truly believe the ISM program and TVP community as a whole offered everything I could dream of to transform me into a refined and knowledgeable potter.” – Keira Peterson, 2017-2019 and 2021-2022.