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Class List > Clay & Sculpture > CREATIVE ESCAPE MENTORSHIP

CREATIVE ESCAPE MENTORSHIP

Instructor: Betty Printy

Application Fee (non-refundable):$25.00 (required)

WHO: One experienced wheel-throwing ceramist looking to focus on creative exploration and inner reflection in a quiet rural setting.

  • 21 years and older
  • Has a passion for wheel thrown pottery
  • Able to follow directions and accept constructive criticism
  • Has complete knowledge of the clay process including glazing and running a kiln. 

WHEN: Mentorship starts Saturday May 13th with a final exhibit on Friday May 26th at the Villages Folk School annual Memorial Day Weekend BBQ.  Ending Saturday May 27th.

DEADLINE: Application deadline is 9am CST on April 1st. Selected participant will be announced Monday, April 3rd.

TUITION: Tuition and material fee is paid in full with no expense to the selected participant.

HOUSING: Lodging is provided during the duration of the mentorship at Alexanders Cottage just two blocks from the pottery studio. (https://alexandersbentonsportcottage.com/home). You will need to provide your own transportation and meals. You will be staying in a quaint historic river village. Nearest fuel/food store is 4 miles away in the neighboring village. 

NOTE: Interaction with the small rural community is a must. There will be a speaking engagement at the local high schools and an offering of public studio hours where you can share your creative journey and abilities with the public. 

Villages Folk School's Creative Escape program brings together Van Buren County's seasoned artisans with emerging and upcoming artists to help preserve traditional arts through hands-on learning. Selected participants will retreat to a cottage near the Des Moines River in a quaint historic village as they unplug from the world and expand their creative talents in a nearby artisan studio.

Folk school artisan, Betty Printy, will open her personal pottery studio to one selected participant for a two week mentorship program with a focus on creative exploration and inner reflection. This program boasts a unique perspective for a broadening artist as there are no classrooms, the participant will be working one-on-one with Betty in production mode. In addition to daily supervision/instruction, the participant will be mentored on workflow in the workspace, how to share your craft with others, and the important role that an artisan plays in a rural community.

The inspiring and relaxing atmosphere of scenic Van Buren County, Iowa is and will continue to be a haven for creative beings.

REMINDER: Applicant needs to be experienced with throwing pottery on the wheel.  Those without experience will not be considered. This mentorship will support the ceramist in broadening their abilities through exploration and by learning the "tricks of the trade" from Betty.

TO APPLY: simply click "Apply Today" and complete the form to follow. Then click Submit with your $25 application fee. Application fees are non-refundable and 100% of them support the mentorship program.  Applications will be accepted through 9:00am CST April 1st. The selected participant will be notified/announced on April 3rd

Apply Today