New Clay Studio Work/Study Program

River Arts is pleased to announce the beginning of a trail work/study program in our clay studio for teens and community members who can’t afford continued participation in our clay studio. We will begin this trail program with 4 work/study positions. Students will be assigned a designated day to work for an hour of cleaning/studio maintenance tasks in exchange for studio access. Students will work with Lisa and Barb in the clay studio to help maintain a clean and orderly community studio space while having the opportunity to continue their exploration of clay.

 
 

Requirements:

  • Must have completed a minimum of 1 six-week intro-to-wheel class at River Arts or have equivalent experience working in the River Arts clay studio

  • Work/Study Students must be 13 years or older and work independently

  • Must be able to wedge 5+ lbs of clay

  • Must be able to commit to 1 hr a week of work/trade on a designated day

  • Must demonstrate a love for ceramics

Responsibilities Include:

  • Reclaiming clay

  • Cleaning and organizing tools

  • Deep cleaning the studio/dust removal of the floor

  • Stirring and sieving glazes

  • Glazing abandoned work

To Apply:

Please email a letter of interest, CV (for ages 18+), and 3-5 images of your pottery to lisa@riverartsvt.org.

Why are we doing this? As a junior in high school, I was lucky enough to enroll in an evening clay class at a local community college. As the only student in that class under the age of 30, I formed a close relationship with my instructor, Harriet Ross. She caught wind that I was a child from a single parent family and after my first semester of class, she found scholarship money for me every semester so that I could continue attending classes for the remainder of my high school years. It was at her recommendation that I applied to Alfred University, where I received a portfolio scholarship that made attending college something affordable for my family. I often reflect on how that opportunity to continue my education led to so many other opportunities in my life. I strongly believe that clay studios can contribute to creating connections within our community, hold space for people to find their own creative expression, and provide an opportunity to develop a civic-centered mindset. We're trilled to offer similar opportunities for teens and folks in our community who feel cost is a barrier.

-Lisa Wolfgang, Co-Director of Programs and Events

Lisa Wolfgang