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Register Now for Craft Enrichment Classes at Appalachian State and Try a New Hobby

By Troy Brooks

Looking to try out a new hobby? Appalachian State’s Craft Enrichment Program started registration for fall classes on Aug. 1, and enrollment is filling up fast. Best of all, it’s open to both ASU students and local community members, and no affiliation with the university is required.

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at a new craft or hobby but have not had access to the required materials and equipment? A fantastic feature of the program is how it allows students to access professional equipment and materials provided by the university. Classes are taught by local artists and craftsmen who are skilled in their fields and provide students with a one-on-one experience.

“The idea is to offer folks an alternative to a full blown academic class,” said Director Emeritus Eric Reichard. “The price is appealing compared to investing a lot of money into the materials needed. If you want to go into pottery, it may cost you at least $5,000 for the pottery wheel and kiln. This program gives folks a chance to test the waters of a hobby before putting heavy investment into it.”

The Craft Enrichment Program is a wonderful way to connect with the university and classes are designed to be small and personal.

“I like the fact that it brings college and community folks together,” said Reichard. “It’s great to see people get together and see that they all come from good folks.”

Class sizes vary and range between 5-15 students.

No prior experience is required. Classes are available for both beginners and advanced students.

Most classes will meet over multiple weeks.

Classes are highly affordable and range between $50-$250. Materials and equipment are included with most class fees as well as parking passes for weekday classes.

Classes will also be held in spring and summer, with spring registration beginning on Dec. 1 at noon and summer registration beginning on May 1 at noon.

Participants in the courses must be 16 years or older.

The Craft Enrichment Program offers classes in a wide variety of arts and themes including.

  • Basket Making
  • Drawing
  • Electronics
  • Glass
  • Jewelry
  • Lampworking (Bread Making)
  • Mosaics
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Pottery
  • Quilting
  • Spinning
  • Video Documentary Production
  • Weaving
  • Welding/Metalworking
  • Woodworking

Anybody interested in a course should sign up immediately. Classes have limited enrollment and may quickly fill up before registration ends.

For more information on each class’s instructor, enrollment, meeting times, cost and location, click to craftenrichment.appstate.edu.

New Classes

Four new classes in the program are being offered for the first time this Fall.

  • Watercolor Doors and Windows with JoAnn Pippin: Explore the theme of painting doors and windows while learning some new news techniques in watercolor, composition, and color.
  • Introduction to Arduino with Jeff Church: Arduino is an open-source electronics platform designed for easy use. It is aimed for             anybody building interactive electronic projects such as electronic musical instruments. Learn about programming, setup, and use of the Arduino micro-controller. Students will also learn how to control electronic devices and write simple programs capable of             measuring digital and analog inputs. Students will also learn basic breadboarding, soldering and electronic skills.
  • Introduction to Woodworking Techniques with Casey Gloster: Learn about wood identification and the characteristics of wood and its use for specific projects. Students will also learn how to use hand and power tools.
  • Adventures in Acrylics with Tara Belk: Understand composition and color harmony in relation to subject matters, whether             abstract or realistic. Students will learn new techniques and ways to create various textures and effects.

If you have trouble with the registration, contact Teri Reddick at 828-262-2530 or email Teri Reddick at reddickct@appstate.edu

You may also contact Director: Kathy Copley at craftenrichment@appstate.edu or Director Emeritus: Eric Reichard, reichardef@appstate.edu, 828-262-6360

Click here to read about the program’s history and Michael Roger Patricelli, a local artist whose life served as inspiration for these courses.