Teaching in My Neighborhood

In addition to giving a lecture at Munson Williams Proctor, I'm teaching two classes at the School of Art. The first class, "Innovating the Chain," happens this Saturday and Sunday, February 8 and 9 from 9-4 each day. The second class, "Exploring Process, Building Form," is Saturday, March 4 also from 9-4. Please follow the links to read class descriptions, see the tuition and to register. If you have any questions about my classes, please feel free to email me at amy@amytavern.com.

Here are some examples of student work from both classes taught previously:

Maia Lepo, chain from "Innovating the Chain"

Danielle James, two brooches 

from "Exploring Process, Building Form"

I'm looking forward to teaching at MWP. I took a drawing class and a ceramics class there back in the 90s and enjoyed both very much. The best drawing I've ever made was in that drawing class, too. I still have it and keep it on display in my house. It reminds me that I can indeed draw and is a beautiful document of my favorite pair of Doc Martens, which, sadly, I no longer have. The drawing also has all my marks of process--I intentionally left them intact then, which is telling to me considering my strong interest in process today.

Thanks for reading.

Big, Part 4

So with all that big stuff happening, and coming, I find myself wanting a more low-key schedule. I tend to plan my year nearly a year out and I tend to fill it up with all kinds of interesting things: exhibitions, teaching, lectures, travel... Now I'm doing the opposite and working hard at keeping my schedule as open as possible. I've been saying "no" a lot, a delicate, challenging and often scary thing to do. I'm just trying to create space for myself to figure out the shift I described yesterday, space in my mind and in my schedule. I'm making room. I also want to keep things as simple as possible because I don't know what will happen when I move home to help take care of my dad. This all feels very good and right. And, with that said, I do have a few things planned:

My Etsy Holiday Sale is happening again this year but will be much-abbreviated because of my upcoming move. This year the sale will begin the Monday before Thanksgiving, November 25 and will end on Saturday, November 30. As always everything will be 25% off and shipping in the U.S. will be free. On December 1 I will close my studio to prepare for my move and will not return to my bench until January.

I'm teaching and lecturing at Munson Williams Procter Arts Institute/Pratt MWP in Utica, NY in February. The lecture will be February 6 and my workshops will run February 8 and 9 and March 1. Utica is not far from Richfield Springs and I took some classes at MWPAI years ago (drawing and ceramics). I'm excited to return there as an instructor and speaker. More details soon. 

I will be return to Penland to teach next summer during session 7, August 24-30. The class, titled “The Whole Jewel," will focus on creating one-of-a-kind pieces. I developed it when I thought I was going to teach in Australia a few years ago so I'm excited to finally have a chance to see it through.  

Here's the description:

"In this class students will be challenged to think beyond traditional jewelry design to create a singular piece of jewelry that is both sculptural and wearable. We will look to other sources for inspiration such as fashion, sculpture, or installation. Through demonstrations, discussions, one-on-one sessions with Amy, and plenty of independent work time, students will create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that is beautifully made and thoughtfully designed from all sides. We will focus on the details that make jewelry stronger and more interesting, as well as unique and personal. Technical demonstrations will include surface design, cold connections, bezel and tab setting, pin mechanisms and the use of alternative materials."

Finally, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reading this week and for your incredible response. These posts were challenging to write--sorting thoughts out and then getting them onto "paper" in a way that makes sense. It felt important to do and also important to share. The response I have received via Facebook "likes," comments and private messages as well as comments on my blog and emails have truly blown me away. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging and many of you made me cry (in a good way!). I never anticipated the response I got and I am just grateful and humbled and honored. It's always wonderful to share big news with all of you and I thank you for your continued interest and support. I think it's amazing. You are all the best and I mean that. Sincerely.

Thanks for reading.