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by KATIE WATSON
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
From ceramics to sewing, jewelry-making to photography, participants in the Craft Enrichment Program are offered a wide variety of courses, each seeking to provide students with an art experience outside the classroom.
The program, located in Katherine Harper Hall, was dedicated in memory of Michael Patricelli by his late wife Babson Patricelli, and was patterned after North Carolina State University’s craft center.
“It’s supporting students to keep their fingers in creative outlets,” program director Eric F. Reichard said.
Ceramics courses
are the most favored art option among the participants. In order to
cater to popular interest, the program offers six classes involving
ceramics, all the while keeping class sizes down.
An average class size runs approximately 10 students; in other crafts, the largest class is about 12 and the smallest is six.
Although
originally aimed towards Appalachian State University students and
staff, the community has taken notice of the program and now makes up
two-thirds of the participants.
Though the prices of each workshop vary, the organization tries to keep costs down.
“If you
took a private class it would be almost three times the cost,” Reichard
said. “We try to keep prices as low as we possibly can while still
providing a quality experience.”
Ultimately,
the program aims to offer students and faculty members a 40 percent
discount on enrollment fees. However, at this time it stands at 20
percent.
Providing a hands-on experience and face time, the instructors make up an essential part of the program.
“[They are our] strongest suit,” Reichard said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have a program at all.”
Local
jeweler Jim H. Rice is one of many program instructors. Rice teaches a
class focused on jewelry making, and uses sterling silver, brass,
copper and nickel.
“We learn how not to burn our hands off with a soldering gun,” he said.
Rice works with a mix of traditional and non-traditional students, while leading a “make it, take it” type of workshop.
The
instructors of the workshop include faculty members from Appalachian.
However, the majority are community craftsmen and women.
“Part of it is luck that we happened along these people and how they are willing to help,” Reichard said.
He said while the community continues to be interested in the program, it remains “the best kept secret on campus.”
To register for the workshops, or for more information about the program, visit craftenrichment.com.
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