Here at The Village Potters Clay Center, we are entering the 7th year of our Advanced Studies Ceramics Program. Currently, we have 15 potters who are dedicating 1-3 years studying with us in a program built upon independent study and mentoring. This unique program is a wonderful alternative to studying ceramics in the university setting. Our criteria for applicants is based on a potter’s personal goals, current skill level, and current work. We have a simple but efficient application process that helps us accept candidates that are a good fit for our program. Our deadline for application for our next session beginning November 1, 2023 is September 1st, 2023. 

For the next 3 newsletters I will spotlight several potters currently in our program.

Amanda Bragaw of AB Goods, is a wonderful potter who studied with us for several years, taking classes and then 2 years ago applied for our advanced studies program and was awarded an apprenticeship as well. 

Amanda has accomplished much in her 2 years, concentrating on her body of work and developing her own glazes. She has developed a beautiful body of functional pots in black, white, soft lavenders, and teals. 

(Photography by Sarah Wells Rolland)

Another wonderful potter in our program is Diana Hoover of Knook Ceramics. She entered our advanced studies program in Nov 2022. She had been taking classes here at The Village Potters Clay Center for several years when she applied. In her year in our program Diana has developed her contemporary, colorful aesthetic and is now marketing her work. She explores shape, color, geometric pattern, and random pattern in her work. She makes stylized pottery for the contemporary home.

(Photography by Diana Hoover)

Chad Caldwell of Artfully Appalachian has been making pottery for several years now, first studying here at The Village Potters in our community classes, and for the last year in our advanced studies program. He has been an apprentice now for 2 years and works in our Advanced Studies Studio and at his home studio as well. Chad has developed a colorful body of work celebrating nature with color and imagery.

(Photograph by Sarah Wells Rolland)

(photograpy by Chad Caldwell)

Working with emerging ceramic artists and sharing in their creative journey is an integral part of our mission here at The Village Potters Clay Center. 

Links:

Amanda Bragaw of AB Goods: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM

Diana Hoover of Knook Ceramics: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM

Chad Caldwell of Artfully Appalachian: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM