The Craft School Experience: Outcomes and Revelations

Part of what has helped to drive the spirit of experimentation, investigation, communication and mastery in the field of craft is the immersive experience offered through workshops and residencies at five historic American craft schools. Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, Peters Valley School of Craft, and Pilchuck Glass School. These five schools have joined together to launch a national initiative celebrating the importance of the craft school experience. The Craft in America Center will feature a group exhibition of objects that speak directly to the impact of these rare educational environments on individual artists.

Internationally renowned instructors, intensive and focused studios, the time for exploration of other art forms, diverse communities, and inspirational settings are some of the key aspects that define these schools. The schools are working to promote and encourage education and excellence in craft by emphasizing their unique opportunities for students to be fully focused and present in a creative manner. For many, this educational experience is thought provoking, inspiring and sometimes life changing. 

This exhibition strives to capture the essence of the craft school experience by featuring the artworks of master teachers, resident artists, and students who have studied or taught at one or more of the participating schools. Supplemented by personal narratives, quotes and videos, these works demonstrate the tremendous conceptual and artistic progress possible in this transformative style of learning. 

Artists: Cynthia Bringle, Nancy Callan, Sonya Clark, Bruce Dehnert, Arline Fisch, Susie Ganch, Matt Kelleher, Gerhardt Knodel, Marc Maiorana, Dante Marioni, Christy Matson, Sequoia Miller, Jaydan Moore, Rowland Ricketts, Chris Staley, and Lino Tagliapietra.

This exhibition was created in collaboration with The Craft School Experience.

Photos by Madison Metro