— The Village Potters Clay Center —

Relocated to Westgate Post-Hurricane Helene, in the epicenter of Asheville

‍https://thevillagepotters.com/advanced-studies-program/

Location: 44 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806

Length: Long Term “Independent Study and Mentorship Program”: 1-3 years (February-January) — can be part time or full time

Applications: Due in mid-November for the next calendar year

Housing: None

Kilns:

  • 10 — Electric kilns

  • 2 — Gas kilns

  • 1 — Raku kiln

  • 1 — Kazegama kiln

Expenses: Materials and firings at cost; Half program tuition cost if a part-time residency/apprenticeship

Funding/Stipend: Full or half program cost covered based on full or part-time residency/apprenticeship

Workspace: Personal studio space and community workspace

Responsibilities: Full time: 8 hours/week shifts and rotating weekend shifts / Part time: 4 hours/week — kiln loading/unloading/cleaning, preparing glazes, assisting in studio events, assisting teaching center and guest instructors, keeping all facilities clean and organized, adhering to and enforcing all studio safety and cleaning standards, assisting with customer and facility clay orders, reclaiming clay, and other assigned duties as needed

Number of Residents: 5-7 artists

Additional Opportunities:

  • Mentorship from six seasoned professional potters via one-on-one and group meetings covering topics from technique to marketing and business strategies

  • Access to a fully equipped glaze kitchen and guidance with access to materials at a discounted rate. Small test batches may be mixed at no charge

  • Critiques from mentors and peers

  • Free monthly demos

  • Class discounts and special rate advanced studies classes

  • Opportunity to assist with and participate in week-long workshops at no cost

  • Potential teaching and other money-making opportunities

  • Potential selling opportunities

  • Behind-the-scenes experience at Western North Carolina’s largest clay center

**“Residencies” are referred to as apprentices in The Village Potter’s Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) advanced studies program. There are 15 spots within the ISM program, and 6-7 applicants are granted apprenticeship positions based on interest and financial need.

Woman wearing glasses and a black apron sitting at a pottery table with pottery in progress, surrounded by pottery supplies and finished pottery, with a large sign that says "The Village Potters" on the wall behind her.
Person smiling and standing next to a metal shelving unit filled with glazed ceramic bowls in various sizes and colors against a brick wall.
A woman smiling while shaping a large clay pot in a pottery studio.
People conducting a science experiment with fire outdoors in a covered area, with a cart containing scientific equipment, signs, and meters.
A printed informational sheet outlining the process of Kazegama kiln, describing it as a hybrid wood and soda kiln, with an image of people working on the kiln. The text explains the kiln's operation, firing process, and significance in pottery makin
A mobile brick cutting machine with a red metal frame and mesh sides, mounted on a black trailer with wheels. The machine has white foam bricks attached to its mesh sides, and a yellow brick on top. The trailer is parked on gravel outside a building
Group of seven diverse women and girls standing in front of a brick wall, smiling for the photo.
A smiling person with glasses and short, light brown hair working on a pottery wheel, shaping a large clay bowl in a ceramics studio. There are shelves with ceramic pieces and tools around.
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Take a look at what The Village Potters’ past residents have to say about their residency experience:

Past Resident Reviews