Teen & Youth Workshops
Teen Week
June 25—June 29, 2018
Touchstone Center for Crafts
Pennsylvania’s only residential craft education center is located on a 150-acre campus in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Participants will have access to eight fully equipped studio spaces while they live on campus. Students are housed in single-sex dormitories or cabins. The dining hall is central to campus where delicious home-cooked meals are served with fresh local ingredients. All students take a turn helping out in the kitchen and keeping the campus clean.
Evenings are open for demonstrations, group activities or work in the studio.
Participants will:
- Attend a five-day interactive workshop
- Extend their creative potential
- Work with other students from around the region
- Experience art in an immersive environment inspired by nature
- Increase their ability to create art
Why Participate?
- Meet other students from the region and work with world-class instructors to improve your art.
- Touchstone offers an Immersive experience, where you will live your craft for a week.
- Student to instructor ratio is a maximum of 12 to 1.
- Receive career guidance in areas such as creating a portfolio, applying to college and other topics from guest speakers.
- Participants broaden their thinking in relation to their craft.
Students spending a week on Touchstone’s grounds benefit from the natural and artistic aspects of campus life…
- “I increased my understanding of the variety of ways that people continue to make art and/or craft works throughout their lifetimes (professional artist, semiprofessional artist, etc.).”
- “I learned a variety of techniques in working with this medium that will inform my artistic development in the future.”
- “My selected workshop at Touchstone enhanced what I have learned and/or experienced at my high school.”
Instructors
Touchstone’s Studio Instructors are accomplished artists and educators from around the country, many of whom return to teach year after year. They bring both technical expertise and real-world experience to the studio.
The 2018 Teen Outreach Program Instructors include Matthew Yeomans, Trevor King, Mike Mangiafico, Maia Leppo, Josh Mitchel, and Roger Hyndman. See instructor biographies and workshop descriptions below.
The Details
Due to the generosity of our supporters, several full and partial scholarships are still available.
Registration and Materials fees are $100 and are to be paid in full at check-in or prior to the first day of the workshops.
Scholarship applications are now available below. Apply by May 1, 2018
2018 Workshop Descriptions & Instructor Biographies
June 25–29 | Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing for Teens
Instructor: Matthew Yeomans
All Levels | Grades 9–12 | 5-Day Schedule
$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Register Now
Learn the basics of creating functional works of art with a hammer and anvil. We will focus on learning the basic tools and techniques of blacksmithing, as well as developing safe and responsible work habits. From decorative items to functional blacksmithing tools, you will have the opportunity to hand forge a wide range of projects.
About the Instructor: Matthew Yeomans is a recent graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with degrees in adult education and art education and has studied multiple disciplines within the arts. He has spent the last nine years working with Touchstone Center for Crafts teaching blacksmithing workshops and working as a studio assistant to maintain the Hart Moore Blacksmithing Studio. Beyond his work with Touchstone, Matthew is also a featured author on the website, Instructables, where he writes articles and tutorials for his various woodworking and metalworking projects.
June 25–29 | Ceramics
Wild and Wiggly: Creating Expressive Pottery in the Style of George Ohr
Instructor: Trevor King
All Levels | Grades 9–12 | 5-Day Schedule
$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Register Now
Examine the artwork, techniques, and biography of George Ohr, the self-described “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Famous for his elaborate and eccentric forms, Ohr will act as our role model in this class, where students are encouraged to use the potter’s wheel as a tool to create functional and expressive objects. We will begin with wheel throwing techniques to create functional forms such as mugs and bowls, and then move on to explore altering methods by stacking, ruffling, wrinkling, and folding wheel-thrown forms. Each student will have the opportunity to make a small batch of their own experimental glaze. We will fire in electric and raku kilns. This workshop will emphasize the importance of fun and exploration in the creative process and is appropriate for all skill levels.
About the Instructor: Trevor King received a BFA from Slippery Rock University (2011), a MFA from the Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan (2015), and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan, Poland (2010). His work has been informed by residencies at Touchstone Center for Crafts, Ox Bow School of Art, Haystack Mountain School, and Sculpture Space NYC. In 2014, Trevor was awarded an International Institute Fellowship to work under British sculptor Antony Gormley. In 2015, his work was awarded an Outstanding Student Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center. Trevor is currently a studio technician and instructor at Greenwich House Pottery and the ceramics technician at Tom Sachs Studio.
June 25–29 | Glass
Marbles and Beads
Instructor: Michael Magniafico
All Levels | Grades 9–12 | 5-Day Schedule
$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Register Now
Explore the world of creating flameworked glass, marbles, and beads. Melting colorful soda lime glass that was manufactured in Italy, we will make and incorporate traditional Venetian Zanfirico (fancy twisted glass canes or pattern bars) into magnificent disks and orbs of delight. Pursue the anatomy of a well-proportioned marble or bead all the while playing with sparkly dichroic coated glass. We will then have fun transforming said creations into enjoyable tops, pendants, and fetching sculpture.
About the Instructor: Michael Mangiafico is a glass artist and teacher working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a BFA in glass art from Carnegie Mellon University in 1985 and has continued his education by attending or teaching glass art seminars across the globe. In 1996, Michael built a glass studio, FIG Studios—Forms in Glass. He designs and creates sculpture and craft items from glass by blowing, casting, torch working, and cold work. FIG Studios has work in fine art galleries across the country.
To see more of Michael’s work visit figstudios.com and follow him on Instagram @deedleweed
June 25–June 29 | Metals & Jewelry
Introduction to Metalsmithing
Instructor: Maia Leppo
All Levels | Grades 9–12 | 5-Day Schedule
$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Register Now
Explore the basics of metal working to create finished pieces of wearable art. Learn how to pierce and saw out your name in metal, solder a ring and texture it with hammer, and how to rivet and set a found object. We will also utilize basic forging and shaping techniques to create a bangle that fits your wrist perfectly. At the end of the week, you will leave with finished pieces of art that you can wear!
About the Instructor: Maia Leppo graduated from Tufts University in 2008 with a degree in biology and community health. She received training in jewelry and metals from various craft schools, including Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Pocosin Arts, Penland School of Crafts, and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. She received her MFA from State University of New York, New Paltz. Maia has participated in artist residencies at Arrowmont and Pocosin, and is currently a resident artist at the Brew House Association on the south side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
June 25–29 | Printmaking
Intaglio Printmaking
Instructor: Roger Hyndman
All Levels | Grades 9–12 | 5-Day Schedule
$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Register Now
Explore the heritage of the intaglio printmaker utilizing modern and historic concepts and techniques to influence your approach to contemporary printmaking. Intaglio (solarplate) printmaking is a highly versatile and expressive contemporary medium, transforming original drawings, paintings, and collage as well as photographs, JPEG’S, and copier art into high quality etchings. Enjoy making plates in the sun, developing the plate with ordinary tap water, and using the intaglio press to create limited edition etchings. We will focus on utilizing the tools of the printmaker, your creativity as an artist, the simplicity of plate processing, and the production of professional artwork. You will be introduced to a variety of techniques, printmaking practices, and participate in critiques. The workshop will conclude with a class exhibit, critique, and celebration. Solar printmaking will appeal to artists of all media, such as printmakers, photographers, and painters.
About the Instructor: Roger Hyndman has conducted workshops for artists, arts councils, arts organizations, professional organizations, and educators, and has engaged in artist residencies. He has partnered with the VIEW (a multi-arts center in Old Forge, New York), Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, Yates County Arts Center, Mid-Hudson Teacher Center and State University of New York at New Paltz, Hartwick College, Syracuse University, University of New Hampshire, Fletcher Farm School, Touchstone Center for Crafts, Sagamore Great Camp, and the Saratoga Arts Council. As an exhibiting artist, Roger has organized and coordinated travel across the United States and Europe. Several recent intaglio prints reflect the influence of nano images and his travels to the Shetland Islands, Fair Isle, Italy, Sicily, Scotland, France, Canada, and across the American landscape.
To see more of Roger’s work visit solarprintmaking.com
June 25–29 | Painting & Drawing
The Power of a Series: Creating a Small Body of Related Pieces
Instructor: Josh Mitchel
All Levels | Grades 9–12 | 5-Day Schedule
$550 Member | $580 Non-Member
Register Now
Focusing on creating a small series of three to five related works through direct observation of a still life, you will explore traditional methods of oil painting, such as a subtractive imprimatura (umber wipeout painting) and strategies of developing an oil painting through a process of layers. Discussions will cover basic color mixing through a limited pallet, properties of color temperature, and fundamental compositional elements. The instruction provided is intended to serve as a foundation for a more sophisticated future practice. You are encouraged to share and discuss your work as well as bring past work to share with the group for feedback. Creativity is encouraged and deviation from the outline is allowed!
About the Instructor: Josh Mitchel is a Pittsburgh born artist who earned his BFA in studio arts from Indiana University in 1997, his BFA in interior architecture from the Design Institute of San Diego in 2008, and his MFA in painting from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2016. Formally a high-school art teacher, Josh returned to graduate school after a decade on the west coast to mature as an artist and actualize dreams of teaching in higher education. Josh was recently published in the February international edition of Fresh Paint magazine as well as featured on the cover of the Local Pittsburgh. Josh has received juror’s awards from the 104th annual Erie Spring Show, the 79th Annual Spring Show at the Butler Institute of American Art, and a Best in Show for the 49th Annual Juried Show at the Meadville Council on the Arts. Working primarily on a large scale in oils, Josh investigates the complex relationships and struggles within ourselves. His work is deeply rooted in drawing and a respect for academic training. Heavily inspired by the figure, Josh’s models often serve as both surrogates for autobiographical content and as symbols with empathy revolving around the human condition.
Youth Summer Camps
June 11—15 & August 13—17
Ages 6-10
Join us for a fun-filled week of discovering all that Touchstone Center for Crafts has to offer!
Get ready to sample multiple materials while exploring different ideas and concepts. Throughout the week you will create a variety of artworks that include ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, and design.
Weeklong Camp Cost: $165
Call 724-329-1370 to Register Now
Day Camps
Ages 6-10
June 15, 2018
Youth Day
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
August 17, 2018
Clay for Kids
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Call 724-329-1370 to Register Now
To view a full listing of the Terms and Conditions as part of your enrollment, click here.
Touchstone Center for Crafts prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or association preference. Touchstone Center for Crafts also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to its facilities and programming.