I’m friend with a wonderful creative bunch—knitters, beaders, amateur photographers, backyard woodworkers. We all talk about expanding our skills and exploring our passions further. So, I was surprised that not one of them knows anything about craft schools. What’s going on here?
Enter the studio, and you’ve made instant friends.
Craft schools rocked my world: I love nothing more than escaping to one for a week or a weekend and honing my skills. I came to art late-ish in life: In my 40s, I learned how to knit and fell head-over-heels with all things yarny. Then I stumbled across a fiber-arts class at a local craft school, and everything changed.
Studying at craft schools—Peters Valley in New Jersey, Snow Farm in Massachusetts, Penland in North Carolina—gave me the skills and confidence I needed to put myself out there as a “real” artist. Today my handmade baskets and wall art sell in lovely galleries. Who knew?
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Getting Your Craft On
Across the country, craft schools offer something for everyone, regardless of skill level. They’re a safe and welcoming space for beginners as well as a challenging environment for more advanced students. Whether for one day, a weekend, or a full week, classes are offered in all kinds of pursuits—ceramics, fiber arts, glassblowing, jewelry making, blacksmithing, photography and more—led by rock-star artisans.
In my experience, the lodging is cozy, the food served ranges from good to outstanding, and scenery can be beautiful or absolutely jaw-dropping. Another bonus: Craft schools are the ultimate stress-free experience for solo travelers. Enter the studio, and you’ve made instant friends: Women over 50 make up a large portion of the classes. I can’t think of a better way to discover hidden talents and nurture your inner artist. Come play! Check out The Craft School Experience and the American Craft Council’s directory for all the details.
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Amy Sunshine is a New Jersey-based writer and artist. Her work can be viewed at www.amysunshinedesigns.com.
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