Penland Spring 2013 8-Week Concentrations

Classes are open to serious students of all levels unless specified in course description; beginners welcome.

Bridget Elmer, Troubled Lyricist,

kozo and handmade paper,

letterpress printed, 4 x 7-3/4 inches

This class will cover a variety of book structures, from historical to contemporary, with a focus on creating innovative forms that embody each student’s intentions. Beginning with simple, nonadhesive book forms (pamphlet, accordion, link stitch, longstitch), we will progress toward more advanced structures, exploring variations on the case binding and crafting a variety of handmade boxes. Through demonstrations, experimentation, and discussions, students will develop a strong bookmaking foundation and become self-publishers, craftspeople, conservators, librarians, and artists—all in pursuit of understanding the creative potential of the book as both an information technology and an art form. All levels. Code s00b

Studio artist, bookmaker, letterpress printer; teaching: Asheville Bookworks (NC), Florida State University, Ox-Bow (MI); exhibitions: Abecedarian Gallery (CO), Creative Arts Workshop (CT), Minnesota Center for Book Arts; collections: California College of the Arts, Yale University (CT); publications: 500 Handmade Books (Lark Books).

We will thoroughly engage with wood-fired pottery by building a two-chambered wood kiln with one chamber set up for salt. As we build, we will explore kiln design, construction techniques, and combustion cycles. We will also throw pots for the first series of firings, developing forms, slips, and stacking patterns that best exploit flame and ash. Kevin will be with us for the first month as we build the kiln. During the second month, Dan will be joined by guest artists Michael Hunt, Michael Kline, and Mark Peters, who will each lead a firing. Kiln building is empowering and exciting, and it’s also a construction project—so bring work shoes, eye protection, gloves, and expect to engage in manual labor. All levels. Code s00ca

Kevin: studio artist; teaching: Campbell Folk School (NC), Baltimore Clayworks, Hood College (MD); exhibitions: Smithsonian Craft Show (DC), Rye Arts Center (NY).

Dan: studio potter; founder of Libertytown Arts Workshop (VA); teaching: Savannah College of Art and Design (GA), Museum of Mankind (London); exhibitions: Campbell House Gallery (NC), Washington Street Gallery (WV).

Kevin Crowe, Tea Bowl, woodfired

stoneware, 5-1/2 x 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches

Dan Finnegan, Jane, woodfired stoneware,

7 x 11 x 6 inches

David Naito, Patterned Oilcans,

blown glass, tallest: 18-1/2 inches

Students in this class will learn the fundamentals of blown and solid hot-glass processes. We will use both traditional and unconventional methods to develop a language for expressing sculptural ideas. Specific techniques will include pulling and using cane, incalmo, and various color applications. Students will be encouraged to set aside their preconceived notions of glass, find inspiration, and challenge their imaginations to pursue their artistic vision. All levels, but some hot glass experience will be helpful. Code s00ga

Studio artist; teaching: Brooklyn Glass Studio (NYC), former visiting assistant professor at Alfred University (NY), Simple Syrup Glass Studio (MA); exhibitions: 70John (NYC), Boston Sculptors Gallery (MA), University of Hawaii, Fitchburg Art Museum (MA).

Joe Peters, Octopus Coral Reef,

flameworked glass, 13 x 24 inches

This class will cover a wide variety of flameworking techniques with a focus on sculpture. Working with borosilicate glass, we will cover everything from the basic foundation skills to complex construction, and we will learn to break down our subject matter while finding ways to make work with conceptual depth. We will discuss hollow versus solid elements and when to use each. Color will be introduced through frits and color rods. We will cover figurative elements such as eyeballs, hands, faces, feet, teeth, and claws, and also explore how to create natural positions that show gravity and imply movement. All levels. Code Code s00gb

Studio artist; teaching: Snow Farm - The New England Craft Project (MA); work featured on the cover of The Flow and Glassline magazines, 2011 and 2012 Niche Awards in glass and flameworking; work sold in the Corning Museum Gallery (NY), Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA), Pismo Gallery (CO), Hodgell Gallery (FL), Dane Gallery (MA).

Note: Salt (Luken Shaefe) was originally scheduled to teach this class. He was forced to cancel and Joe Peters graciously agreed to take his place.

LeeAnn Mitchell, Subtle

Mutations: New Farmington

Flora #1, fabricated cast bronze,

13 x 8 x 6 inches

This class will focus on learning the language of sculpture through a variety of metalworking techniques. Students will learn the basics of forging, welding, and general metal fabrication skills and are welcome to incorporate mixed media and alternative materials into finished pieces. There will be a strong emphasis on the aesthetics and language of sculpture in both group and individual critiques. Whether you choose steel, bronze, aluminum, or iron, you will learn to speak through metal. All levels. Code s00i

Sculptor, president of LeeAnn Mitchell Arts, Inc., managing individuals, projects, and organizations in art and craft; work in more than 100 exhibitions; solo shows: Memphis Center of Contemporary Art, Zoller Gallery at Penn State University, William J. Thompson Gallery at University of Georgia.

Ruth Reifen, Floral Charades #3, copper,

auto-paint, epoxy, thread, 3 x 2-3/4 x 1 inches

This class will explore wax carving and sculpting to produce original compositions for metal casting and electroforming. These processes can be used for one-of-a-kind designs and for reproduction. A variety of materials, primarily rubber, will be used to make molds for creating multiples from your individually crafted work. After these prototypes have been rendered in metal, we will practice silversmithing techniques to create finished jewelry pieces—which will become new prototypes. All levels. Code s00ma

Studio artist; teaching: 92nd St. Y (NYC), part-time faculty at the School of the Museum of Fine Art, Boston; representation: Gallery Loupe (NJ); collection: Museum of Arts and Design (NYC); exhibitions: ACC Baltimore, Alloy Gallery (RI), Shenkar College of Design (Israel), Gallerie Marzee (Netherlands), Kris Graves Projects (NYC), Loot, NYC at Museum of Arts and Design (NYC).