Next Session: November 1, 2023 – October 31, 2024
Are you a potter or ceramic artist who feels the need to push your skills and design abilities to the next level?
Do you want a mentors who will partner with you in your journey in clay?
Our Independent Study and Mentoring (ISM) Program works with potters who want to develop or refine their own bodies of work. Our ISM Program is for both the emerging and seasoned artist. The program creates an encouraging environment where you hone your skills and develop a unique body of work while working in a vibrant and creative community.
This 1-3 year study is built upon the historical tradition of learning from master potters and the passing down of knowledge and experience. As an ISM student, you receive individual input from seasoned professionals. You’ll be immersed in a flexible environment that is perfect for developing a body of work that is unique to you. Whether you aspire to earn a living in ceramics, or simply wish to create more space for clay in your life, our ISM program provides the structure to live out your artistic dreams.
The ISM Program may be right for you if you are an emerging potter, or if you have been working with clay for years but wish to explore new avenues in your work. The ISM program allows potters to have regular access to a studio (7 days a week), community with other potters, opportunities to explore multiple firing techniques, mentorship and instruction from professional and teaching ceramic artists. We believe that in two years a potter can hone their skills and develop a unique body of work that will equip them to launch into a variety of creative ceramic pursuits. This program, like all things at The Village Potters Clay Center, is designed to be highly relational with one-on-one meetings with mentors, group discussions, and critiques. In many ways, this program is customized to the goals of each ISM student. Whether you plan to be a professional potter or a part-time creative, this program will afford you the opportunity to go as far as you wish.
The Studio:
Over 2,400 square feet with designated individual work spaces (with your own shelving units, wheel, and table) + community work space (handbuliding tables + glaze mixing area) / slab roller / extruder / additional shelving in kiln room / glaze kitchen / spray booth / kilns (oxidation, gas reduction, raku, kazegama (wood ash)), on-site purchasing of Laguna Clays, on-site purchasing of various tools in our tool shop
The Program:
7-day access / various demonstrations each month (online and in person) / one-on-one meetings mentors / critiques / discounted intermediate & advanced classes and workshops
The Costs:
$455 / month or $5,187 yearly (discount offered when paid in full)
Payment Options:
yearly or monthly (1 – 3 year commitment)
Additional Costs:
clay / firings / glaze mixing / use of glaze kitchen ($25 per month fee) (small test batches are no charge)
*Apprenticeships (scholarships) available on a competitive basis. Please inquire if interested.
For additional information or questions contact us at info@thevillagepotters.com or call us (828) 253-2424.
Application deadline for November 1, 2023 entry is Friday, September 1, 2023.
Images of several potters currently in our program. Missie Henry, Chad Caldwell, Martha Savitzsky, and Amanda Bragaw.
