Appalachian Center for Craft - Summer Workshops

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Workshops

 

Welcome to the workshops at the Appalachian Center for Craft.

The Appalachian Center for Craft offers hands-on workshops on our campus nestled in the woods on Center Hill Lake in Smithville, Tennessee. Participants may find workshops for a variety of skill levels in blacksmithing, clay, fibers, glass, metals and wood. Workshops are accessible to those who want to learn an entirely new skill as well as those who want to refine their existing skills. Artists from across the country and our own campus lead workshops in our professionally equipped studios throughout the year.

Discounts are available to residents of Dekalb, Putnam, Smith and White counties and current Tennessee Tech students, faculty and staff. For more information, click the discounts drop down menu below.

Workshop registration is unavailable from 12/23/25 to 1/5/26 while Tennessee Tech University observes winter break. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Summer Workshops are Here!
Scroll down or click "Workshops" to view all of our workshops!

  • Blacksmithing

    Daylong, May 16

    Andrew Reist

    Spend a full day at the forge learning fundamental blacksmithing techniques while creating your own steak turner, fork, and wall hook. Students will build and maintain a coal fire, learn to safely heat and shape steel, and practice twisting and forging skills. This immersive class is perfect for beginners, offering hands-on experience with hot metal in a supportive environment. By the end of the day, participants will leave with beautiful, functional utensils of their own making and a solid introduction to blacksmithing processes and techniques.

    $170

    Materials List


    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Jason Bivens

    Learn to forge a one-piece integral bolster knife from a single piece of round stock. Students will practice forging the blade, tang, and bolster, including techniques for setting shoulders and shaping the handle. The class also covers embellishment methods for the bolster area and finishing skills. By the end of the weekend, students will have a finished knife, plus knowledge of fundamental forging and knife-making techniques. This intensive workshop balances hands-on practice with demonstrations, giving participants a strong foundation for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing knives.

    $445

    Materials List


    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    Arnne Bujold

    Create a lasting bouquet of steel flowers in this all-levels workshop. Students will learn core blacksmithing techniques, sheet metal forming, and welding skills using MIG and Smith micro torch methods. Pre-cut sheet metal shapes and stock material will be used to practice texturing, forming, and forging floral elements. The class emphasizes composition, design, and personal expression, allowing participants to combine individual elements into a cohesive, beautiful arrangement. By the end of the weekend, each student will leave with a visually striking steel bouquet and practical knowledge of metal forming and basic welding techniques.

    $445

    Materials List


    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Emilliano Carrillo

    The seax was the ubiquitous knife used by Viking Age people for many centuries. They came in many styles and shapes, and some were decorated with pattern welding and precious metals. In this course students will create pattern welded material, plan and forge their own 6-8" multi bar seax based on historical examples. Well forge weld disparate materials to form the blades and then forge, grind, heat treat, and polish before finishing them with handles made from horn or antler and wood. This is a fast paced class where previous forge welding and knife making experience is crucial. 

    $770

    Materials List


    Daylong, July 26
     
    Marcus Johnson

    Learn the fundamentals of bladesmithing in this one-day, hands-on workshop. Students will forge, grind, and perform basic heat treatment on carbon steel, then fit a handle to complete their functional knife. Each participant may design their own blade up to 5 in length, not including the handle. Emphasis is on foundational techniques, safe forge practices, and practical knife-making skills. By the end of the day, students will leave with a finished, functional knife and the confidence to continue exploring bladesmithing on their own.

    $185

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Jay Replogle

    Forge, grind, and finish your own tomahawk while learning about the history, design, and construction methods of this iconic tool. Students will explore the functional and aesthetic aspects of tomahawks, practicing safe forge techniques and metalworking skills while creating a personalized piece. The weeklong workshop combines demonstrations with hands-on practice, giving participants opportunities to refine shaping, heat treatment, and finishing processes. By the end of the week, students will leave with a fully functional tomahawk, a deeper appreciation for the crafts history, and the skills needed to continue metalworking projects independently.

    $770

    Materials List

  • Clay

    Daylong, May 16

    Andy Foster

    In this daylong workshop, students will experience the centuries-old art of china painting. Also known as enameling, this technique involves applying ceramic pigment to an already fired surface. Participants will be provided ready-made ceramic objects to decorate in class and may pick them up the following week. The workshop covers brush techniques and guidance on creating detailed designs, making it perfect for both beginners and those looking to refine their decorative painting skills

    $185

    Materials List


    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Kelly Sullivan


    Learn to create screenprinted transfers for use on wet clay before the bisque stage. Students will design patterns or imagery, print them onto newsprint using underglazes, and transfer them onto pre-made tiles or slabs. Well also explore using slip as a catalyst for transfers and discuss templates for specific forms. Time permitting, students may create a folded bowl or planter. Participants will leave with extra newsprint sheets, a strong understanding of the process, and ideas for incorporating transfers into future clay projects. Fired pieces will be available to pick up later.

    $440

    Materials List

     

    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    Andy Foster

    Learn the intricacies of creating one of the most belovedand challengingforms in pottery: the teapot. Through both wheel-throwing and handbuilding, students will construct lids, spouts, and handles, and discuss historical and contemporary approaches to this classic form. Several teapots will be made, bisque fired, and available for pickup after the workshop. In addition, the class will explore design considerations, proportion, and surface decoration to help students produce functional and visually striking teapots.

    $440

    Materials List


    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Audry Deal-McEver

    This beginner to advanced level workshop teaches students the technical skills needed to work on the pottery wheel. Beginners will learn the introductory basics needed to create cups, mugs, bowls, vases, and more. Advanced students will get individual guidance to help reinforce their foundational knowledge and will be guided through more advanced techniques (such as "thrown and altered" shapes and composite/assembled forms). Class time will include demonstrations, guided practice time, and one-on-one help. Note: Due to time constraints, students will take home a range of finished pots and "works in progress."

    $760

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Laura Williams

    Spend the week exploring narrative and image-making through handbuilt clay forms. Students will learn techniques for creating small-scale sculptures, complete drawing and storytelling exercises, and embrace cartooning as both a method and philosophy. The class will also explore three-dimensional character development, the exaggeration of forms, and the integration of humor or narrative into sculptural objects. Open to all skill levels, this workshop encourages experimentation and play, allowing students to expand their creativity while gaining confidence in working with clay as a storytelling medium.

    $760

    Materials List

  • Fibers

    Daylong, May 16

    Katelyn Dunn

    Immerse yourself in the art of wet felting as you design and create your very own sculptural wool vessel! In this full-day workshop, youll explore the magic of transforming loose, fluffy fibers into a sturdy, seamless form using nothing more than soap, water, and your hands. This class is perfect for both beginners and experienced felters looking to expand their 3D felting skills. By the end of the day, youll leave with a finished vessel and the knowledge to continue exploring sculptural felting at home. Just bring your creativity, a sense of adventure, and a towel or apronthings might get a little soapy!

    $180

    Materials List


    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Erika Diamond

    Explore the ancient art of tapestry weaving on a portable frame loom. Students will learn to warp the loom, practice basic weft-faced slit tapestry techniques, and consider historical and cultural contexts of tapestry. Each participant will develop a personal design to render in yarn, learning color blending, patterning, and texture. The workshop is beginner-friendly and offers time for experimentation, fostering creativity and an understanding of weaving fundamentals. Students will leave with a completed small tapestry and confidence to continue weaving independently.

    $435

    Materials List


    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    Jasmine Best

    Participants will explore fabric-based image and surface design techniques while creating a small, handmade fabric book. Using embroidery, fabric painting, stamping, and basic sewing, students will develop a personalized short narrative that fits within a simple book structure. Instruction will include book planning, layout, and construction, with attention to the unique considerations of working with soft materials rather than paper. By the end of the course, participants will leave with a finished fabric book and a toolkit of techniques for future textile-based storytelling.

    $435

    Materials List

     

    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Lynette D Youson

    Learn the traditional art of sweetgrass basket weaving, passed down through generations in the instructors family. Students will explore coiling techniques using natural materials such as sweetgrass, pine needles, bulrush, and palmetto palm. The workshop emphasizes patience, hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. Over the week, students will create several baskets, including a traditional rice fanner basket, while learning about material preparation, design planning, and finishing techniques. By the end, participants will take home multiple completed baskets and gain the confidence to continue weaving with natural fibers at home.

    $775

    Materials List


    Daylong, July 26

    Janice Patrignani

    Immerse yourself in the Japanese art of bound-resist dyeing using folding, clamping, binding, and wrapping techniques. Students will experiment with fiber-reactive and acid dyes, exploring pattern creation on both silk and cotton fabrics. By the end of the workshop, participants will take home a finished silk scarf, a cotton bandanna, and an assortment of one-of-a-kind samples. Students will gain a strong foundation in shibori techniques while being inspired to incorporate these methods into their own textile work.

    $185

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Suzanne Connors

    Explore the depth and beauty of Japanese textile traditions in this five-day immersive workshop blending indigo dyeing, shibori resist techniques, and katazome rice-paste stencil work. Designed for students who want to work deeply and intentionally, this retreat-style course offers a balance of structured instruction, cultural context, hands-on skill building, and generous studio time. By the end of the workshop, participants will take home a rich collection of samples, a finished stitched shibori or katazome project, and a deep understanding of how these techniques can be incorporated into their own textile practice.

    $775

    Materials List

  • Glass

    Daylong, May 16

    Matt Holifield

    A beginner introduction to lampworking, focusing on creating a delicate glass leaf pendant. Students will learn to safely operate a torch, gather and shape molten glass, and explore basic sculpting techniques. After completing the initial project, the instructor will demonstrate more advanced techniques, including creating dichroic space marbles. Participants will receive guidance throughout the day, developing confidence and skill in handling hot glass and understanding foundational flameworking processes. By the end, students will take home their leaf pendant and a deeper appreciation for working with glass.

    $180

    Materials List


    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Tabitha Thierjung

    This introductory glassblowing workshop focuses on making paperweights. Students will learn essential skills, including gathering molten glass, applying color, shaping, and finishing techniques. The class emphasizes safety, foundational glassblowing methods, and personal expression through design choices. Participants will have opportunities to experiment with different colors and forms, learning how heat and timing affect the material. By the end of the weekend, students will complete their own unique paperweights and gain confidence to continue exploring hot glass.

    $500

    Materials List


    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    Martha Morales Purucker

    In this immersive weekend workshop, you'll master the entire Tiffany-style stained glass process, from sketching your design to hanging your finished piece. We'll guide you through each step, including cutting glass, grinding, foiling, soldering, and framing. By the end of the weekend, you'll have a beautiful and unique 10"x12" stained glass panel inspired by nature's elements. This workshop is perfect for both beginners and experienced artists looking to deepen their stained glass skills.

    $440

    Materials List


    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Brad Smith

    Form is the canvas upon which we build our personal expression in glassblowing. In this class, students will build and expand their vocabulary of blown shapes in the hotshop and refine their skills in basic glassblowing technique. We will cover the techniques behind the most basic shapes in blown glass including cylinders, bottles and bowls; and discuss how variations in those shapes can lead to a near limitless variety of forms. Open to first-time and intermediate glass blowing students.

    $900

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Kayla Sanford

    This week-long workshop builds on techniques introduced in the Beginner Glass course, offering a focused continuation for students with prior experience. Participants will refine blown vessel forms while expanding their understanding of color application. Instruction will cover methods including color drops, wraps, canework, and the use of optic molds to create texture. Emphasis will be placed on control, consistency, and intentional design choices. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, students will strengthen both technical skill and confidence at the bench. Previous glassblowing experience is required.

    $900

    Materials List

  • Metals

    Daylong, May 16

    Francesca Faucette

    Learn the fundamentals of wire wrapping while creating both a bracelet and a V-collar necklace. Students will explore shaping, sizing, twisting, and finishing techniques using a variety of wire gauges and textures. The class emphasizes hands-on practice, teaching how to combine pieces into cohesive designs and experiment with scale, style, and detail. No prior experience is required, making this an approachable introduction to jewelry-making. Participants will leave with a finished bracelet and collar, new skills in wire manipulation, and the confidence to continue designing personalized pieces independently.

    $200

    Materials List


    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Wyatt NP

    Learn the essential skills of saw-and-solder champlev矇 enameling, including piercing, filing, soldering, and both sifting and wet-packing enamel. Students will focus on working with opaque colors to create multiple samples and a finished enameled piece. While some metalsmithing experience is helpful, prior knowledge of the subject is not required. Participants with some prior metalsmithing experience may deepen their understanding, while beginners will gain a solid foundation. This workshop introduces key techniques while encouraging creativity and experimentation.

    $445

    Materials List


    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    Susan Thornton

    This immersive workshop introduces students to traditional metalsmithing through focused exploration of hammer-and-stake forming. Participants will transform flat sheet metal into dimensional forms using sinking, doming, raising, and fold-forming techniques. Through demonstrations, guided practice, and personal experimentation, students will learn how metal stretches, compresses, curves, and folds under the hammer. The workshop culminates in a self-directed project, allowing students to apply multiple forming methods to create a finished jewelry piece or small object. Students leave with a strong technical foundation and a deeper understanding of the beauty and possibilities inherent in hand-formed metal.

    $445

    Materials List


    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Talia Tax

    Keep your friends close, and your favorite objects even closer! In this metalworking class, students will learn the fundamentals of creating small hinged forms such as lockets and boxes designed to hold small treasures. Through hands-on instruction in knuckle hinges, soldering techniques, embellishments, and finishing, participants will gradually build the skills needed to design and complete a hinged copper object of their choice. Whether you choose to wear it as jewelry or keep it as a small trinket, how you show off your finished piece is up to you! No experience required.

    $770

    Materials List


    Daylong, July 26

    Ben Caldwell, Izzy Caldwell

    In this hands-on workshop, students will explore essential metalsmithing techniques while constructing a three-stem candelabra. Instruction emphasizes both technical skill and design, allowing participants to create a functional and decorative piece. Participants will gain confidence using tools and materials and understand the fundamentals of working with metals in a creative, structured environment. Techniques covered include planishing, riveting, soldering, forming and coloring metal. By the end of the day, students will take home a finished candelabra and new fabrication skills.

    $195

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Bob Coogan

    Explore the hand fabrication of rings from both sheet metal and wire, creating band rings, double bands, hollow forms, sliders, and more complex structures. Students will learn sawing, filing, texturing, soldering, finishing, and basic stone-setting techniques, with individualized guidance to refine skills.By the end of the week, participants will leave with a collection of completed rings, a clear understanding of fabrication methods, and the confidence to experiment and apply these techniques to future jewelry projects.

    $770

    Materials List

  • Wood

    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Pat Matranga

    Learn to create a platter, sushi tray, and napkin holders on the lathe. Well focus on proper bowl-gouge technique and safe, comfortable woodturning practices. This workshop emphasizes both form and surface embellishment, providing opportunities for carving, woodburning, and hand engraving. Students may also explore painting or other creative finishes. Instruction includes demonstrations, guided practice, and one-on-one assistance to help students develop confidence and precision on the lathe. By the end of the weekend, participants will have a collection of functional and decorative tabletop pieces.

    $435

    Materials List


    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    CJ Hunter

    From raw wood to finished form, students will learn the complete process of turning bowls on the lathe. Well cover design considerations, tool control, shaping techniques, and finishing methods, giving participants a solid foundation whether theyre making their first bowl or their 50th. Expect plenty of learning and hands-on practice in this lively and engaging workshop. By the end of the class, students will leave with multiple completed bowls and the confidence to continue exploring the creative possibilities of woodturning.

    $435

    Materials List


    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Matt Monaco

    Develop technical mastery and aesthetic sensibility in this woodturning intensive. Students will explore side and end grain turning, tool modifications, sharpening techniques, ergonomics, and surface preparation for fine finishes. Instruction emphasizes precision, finesse, and the relationship between body mechanics and tool control. Through demonstration, guided practice, and individualized feedback, students will gain confidence, refine tool handling, and achieve a higher level of craftsmanship. By the end of the week, each participant will have developed both skill and personal design perspective.

    $775

    Materials List


    Daylong, July 26

    Jeff Brockett

    Learn to turn a square platter while exploring woodturning techniques, including the distinctions between round and square turning. This hands-on workshop covers safety, proper tool usage and sharpening. If time permits, students can practice embellishment techniques or turn a second platter. Some prior woodturning experience is required. By the end of the class, participants will leave with at least one finished square platter, enhanced turning skills, and the confidence to experiment with more complex shapes in future projects. 

    $180

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Alexandra Mavrikis

    Students will design and build a furniture piece incorporating unconventional materials such as block prints, glass, cyanotypes, basketry, clay parts, piano keys, and more. Instruction will adapt to individual designs and include techniques such as table, box, stool, finger-joint, and dovetail joinery. Emphasis is placed on creativity, problem-solving, and technical skill development. Participants will explore material combinations and learn how to integrate various media while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. By the end of the week, students will leave with a completed, unique piece of furniture and practical knowledge for future inventive projects.

    $755

    Materials List

     
  • Special Topics

    Daylong, May 16

    Talia Tax

    Have you been wanting to learn watercolor but dont know where to begin? In this workshop, students will explore foundational watercolor techniques, building toward an original still-life painting. Each participant is invited to bring a meaningful object to contribute to a shared still-life arrangement, creating a painting that is personal to them and enriched by the group. Students will leave with a high-quality watercolor set, new skills, and the guidance needed to continue their own practice with confidence. All levels welcome.

    $175

    Materials List


    Weekend, May 22 - 24

    Larissa Miller

    Discover the magic of cyanotype printing, an early photographic process that uses sunlight or UV exposure to create photograms on paper and fabric. Students will learn to select and arrange objects or transparencies as negatives, prepare their materials, set up a workspace, and expose and develop prints. The class covers composition, technique, and options for both digital and manual methods. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to continue creating cyanotypes at home, producing unique, high-contrast prints with an emphasis on personal creativity and experimentation in image-making.

    $430

    Materials List


    Weekend, July 10 - 12

    Pamela B Padgett

    Explore the Impressionist approach to painting landscapes outdoors in this hands-on workshop. Daily demonstrations guide students through small studies, which will then be developed into larger 11" 14" paintings. Emphasis is placed on observing light, color, and value, and on building brushwork and compositional skills. Participants will practice translating dynamic natural scenes into expressive oil paintings, experimenting with techniques to capture atmosphere and movement. The class combines technical instruction with creative exploration, providing students with guidance, individualized feedback, and the inspiration to continue painting en plein air beyond the workshop.

    $420

    Materials List


    Weeklong, July 19 - 24

    Zane Logan

    Explore portrait photography through both digital and analog approaches. In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with studio lighting, available light, and on-location setups to create expressive portraits. Well cover essential digital workflow and Photoshop editing, then introduce large-format photography using a 45 camera. After developing the film, participants will scan their negatives and prepare final images for inkjet printing. Open to photographers of all experience levels who are excited to explore portraiture through digital and analog techniques. Students are encouraged to bring a DSLR camera if they have one, but cameras will be available in the studio, including large-format cameras.

    $720

    Materials List


    Daylong, July 26

    Matt Holben

    Learn to create letterpress prints with wood and metal type on vintage printing presses. Students will print multiple designs, mini-posters and assemble small notebooks featuring covers collaboratively designed by the class. We will discuss the historical significance of movable type and learn the basics of typesetting, design principles, press operation, and introductory bookbinding. Participants will gain hands-on experience with movable type and printing presses, leaving with a set of finished prints and notebooks. All skill levels are welcome.

    $185

    Materials List


    Weeklong, August 2 - 7

    Carly Owens Weiss

    Discover the fundamentals of goldwork, the traditional art of hand embroidering with metal threads and wires. Learn about the essential embroidery techniques, stitches, tools, and materials used in goldwork as well as its historic roots and contemporary applications. Additional topics will include an introduction to hand embroidery basics, how to create your own goldwork design, and how to combine goldwork with other embroidery materials and processes. Students will complete their own goldwork pieces and leave with the confidence to continue exploring this exquisite and historic craft. All skill levels are welcome.

    $730

    Materials List

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop Information

Questions? Contact the Craft Center at craftcenter@tntech.edu.

 

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