by Madison V. Fisler
Jan. 9, 2014. For many High Country residents, the Michael R. Patricelli Craft Enrichment Program offered each year at Appalachian State University is a welcome outlet for creativity and a great way to learn a new craft or hobby.
This year, classes will be offered in glass fusing and slumping, digital photography, weaving, welding and metalworking, stained glass, lampwork and beadmaking, jewelry, wood bowl-turning, fiber spinning, sewing, painting, basket making and pottery.
“One of the best reasons to try these classes is the affordability,” said Eric Reichard, director of the program.
“All of our classes are very affordable, so don’t let the university setting fool you. Registration is a one-stop shop, just click on the class you want and put in your credit card and you’re done.”
Costs of each of the craft enrichment classes range from $85-$185.
The craft enrichment courses are characterized and known for the small class size and individual attention provided by dedicated professional faculty. The multi-week format of the classes allows participants time to see where their creativity leads them in studio-based classes that promote artistic development at all levels.
Early registration for these classes is recommended, and online registration is now open for interested parties here. The first classes will begin on Jan. 14, with other classes commencing in February and March. Some classes meet on nights and weekends, to conform to busy schedules.
“We start out with 160 slots, and right now we have about 100 of them filled already,” Reichard said.
“We have been doing this for more than 15 years, and people really have a great time with these classes. We have a lot of repeat students and we really encourage everyone to try it if they can.”
Most classes meet once a week for eight weeks, with a few exceptions. Many of the classes are offered at night, or on Saturdays.
“As director, I can almost guarantee you that we have something for everyone to like,” Reichard said.
“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s good to learn something new.”
The available classes and times are as follows:
- Beginning glass fusing and slumping – Saturdays March 22-April 12 (9:30 a.m.-noon)
- Digital photography- Wednesdays Feb 19-April 16 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Weaving – Tuesdays Jan. 14 – March 4 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Welding and metalworking – Mondays Feb. 10-April 14 (6:00-9:00 p.m.)
- Stained glass – Tuesdays Feb. 4-March 18 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Lampwork and beadmaking – Thursdays March 20-April 10 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Jewelry – Wednesdays March 5-April 30 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Wood bowl-turning – Thurdays Feb. 20-April 17 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Fiber spinning – Thursdays Jan. 16 – Feb. 20 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Sewing – Thursdays March 6 – May 4 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Painting – Tuesdays March 18-April 29 (6:00-8:30 p.m.)
- Basket making – Friday-Sunday April 4, 5 and 6
- Pottery – Tuesdays Jan. 28-March 25 (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
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