ARROWMONT CRAFT CONVERSATIONS is a video series that highlights artists in the Arrowmont community. Our partnership with Arrowmont faculty and community members has contributed to Arrowmont’s longevity, growth as a school of arts and crafts, and our reputation as an institution that welcomes everyone. The artists who appear in this series exemplify the characteristics that represent the School — they span generations and are among the most experienced, capable, and innovative in the arts and crafts world. Each of the artists in this series offers insights into their work and their reflections on being a part of the Arrowmont community. Mark Errol is an Arrowmont Instructor, Pentaculum participant and ceramic artist. Mark Errol graduated from Georgia State University in 2014 with his MFA where he was the recipient of the Ernest G. Welch Fellowship. Mark accepted the position of lecturer in 2015 at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA where he teaches Ceramics, Foundation 3D design as well as Professional Preparations for budding artists and Senior Presentation. Errol has taught at Arrowmont, has assisted numerous artists at Penland School of Craft and has taught workshops at The University of Alabama, East Tennessee State University and other recognized art centers around the Southeast. Mark lives in Tifton, GA where he maintains his studio and is the co-owner of Plough Gallery with Glenn Josey where they concentrate on ceramics, glass and other craft-centric media. Focused on education, highlighting fine craft and art, Mark has curated shows as well at Signature Handmade Gallery in Atlanta. His work has been featured in exhibitions both nationally and internationally and has been published in Studio Potter and Ceramics Monthly magazines as well as other regional and nationally circulated publications. The work he makes investigates the relationships of architecture, interior design, and personal narratives as related to both social and cultural questions of value, space and wanting more.
Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education (MN NICE) is an advanced certificate program that provides personalized instruction, mentorship with renowned makers, and professional training for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic education.
With additional options available to license space the studios at NCC, and limited work-exchange opportunities, apply to become part of the next cohort beginning in-person (with appropriate safety strategies) this September, 2020.
Now entering its seventh year, MN NICE is a rigorous program developed in collaboration with Program Head Ursula Hargens. MN NICE provides personalized professional development for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic evolution. The program is designed to respond to the changing needs of emerging makers with high-level training and mentorship in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practice. Through innovative instruction and individual mentorship, artists build skills, knowledge, and insight.
MN NICE includes weekly intensives as well as artist lectures, gallery tours, and studio visits with established artists to take advantage of the rich ceramic resources throughout the Twin Cities. The program strives to support emerging artists both artistically and professionally.
The program consists of three 8-week blocks, beginning in September and ending in May. During each block, the group meets for weekly seminars and visits to museums, galleries, artist studios, and lectures. Throughout the year, participants have individual coaching sessions with leading professionals in the field, helping them to focus their research and development of work. The program culminates with the submission of a portfolio and a group exhibition in NCC’s Emily Galusha Gallery.
If you have questions about the history of MN NICE or joining next year’s cohort, please make Samantha Longley, Education Coordinator your first point of contact at [email protected] or call her directly at 612.339.8007 x309
Contemporary Ceramics, Assistant Professor, Term Appointment
Department of Fine Arts, Hite Art Institute, University of Louisville
The Department of Fine Arts at the University of Louisville welcomes applications for an Assistant Professor, Term Appointment, in Ceramics beginning Fall 2020. The successful candidate will hold an M.F.A. in Ceramics, and provide strong evidence of an emerging scholarly profile. The preferred candidate will present a clear knowledge of theoretical discourses, contemporary practices, and global trends in contemporary ceramics practice, with both the hand built and thrown vessel as well as ceramic sculpture . Faculty selected for the position will be expected to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels in fine art and participate fully in the mentoring of our M.F.A. students.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve been thrilled to hear a strong demand for more opportunities for Black artists and students of color at Penland.
This desire has already resulted in the addition of three new summer 2021 scholarships to our list of scholarships for people of color. They were funded by Penland’s staff, team of directors, and Board of Trustees, respectively. Our staff wanted to make these opportunities as accessible as possible, so each scholarship will cover 100% of tuition, room, and board and also include a stipend for travel and materials.
At the same time, we’ve heard from lots of you, our friends and students and instructors, about wanting to donate to a similar scholarship fund. We’re pleased now to give you that opportunity through the new Artists for Equity Scholarship Fund. The goal of this fund is to increase opportunities for artists of color who would otherwise not have access to Penland due to funding.
In a caring and generous community like ours, even small gifts compound to make a big impact. A single scholarship won’t change the face of the craft world, but it can absolutely open up new possibilities for an individual and start creating the momentum we need to reach a more equitable, inclusive community at Penland and beyond. Please join in with a gift and help bring new artists and new voices to our community!”
