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Craft Enrichment Series begins at Appalachian |
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Thursday, 01 February 2007 |
by ALLISON CASEY
Lifestyles Reporter
 | Reichard
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For those wishing to expand their artistic horizons and bond with the Boone community, the department of technology’s Michael R. Patricelli Craft Enrichment Program begins this month.
Classes are taught in mosaics, pottery, stained glass, photography, jewelry, woodworking, metalworking, copper, quilting, basket making and architecture and last between eight to 12 weeks.
“You just have to feed the soul, whether it’s with literature,
architecture or art,” Eric F. Reichard, professor of technology, said.
The Craft Enrichment program is non-profit and the fees go only to the overhead costs.
“The idea is to provide a service,” Reichard said. “Students pay 40
percent less than they would for the same class anywhere else.”
Each year, private donors contribute about $6,000 to the program, he said.
Students receive a 20 percent discount on the classes. Class size is limited to 12 people.
Reichard started the program eight and a half years ago when he saw a
need for the campus and community to come together for art classes.
“It’s so hard to get into classes [at Appalachian],” he said. “Especially if you’re a part-time student.”
Reichard modeled the program after the North Carolina State University Craft Center.
The program expanded this year to include a pottery class for children
and an architecture class taught by technology professor Chad Everhart.
“The class is set up for people who are building a new house,” Reichard
said. “What to look for, how to build a builder or for people who are
remodeling.”
Local clay artist Lucy P. Hamilton has taught for the program since its inception.
“It’s an excellent program,” she said. “It’s continued to grow over the years.”
The program provides individuals a chance to try new things without having to change a major, Reichard said.
“It gives people who are interested in art, photography [or] jewelry, a
chance to see if they have a facility in that area and to see if it’s
something they want to pursue,” Reichard said.
Reichard and Hamilton agree one of the best parts of the program is seeing the college and community interact together.
“We’ve had a really positive reaction from the students and community,” Hamilton said.
Because it is a continuing education program, it can be very freeing
for those who are used to working in a class environment, Hamilton
said.
“All the students came out having learned something,” she said. “I see students making a lot of progress.”
Learning about the arts is important because it teaches you about yourself, history and where you come from, Hamilton said.
“Art has always been a part of civilization,” she said. “It’s very all encompassing.”
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