Advanced studies Program
Are you a potter or ceramic artist ready to push your skills and creative vision to the next level?
independent Study & Mentoring (ISM)
Our Advanced Studies: Independent Study & Mentoring (ISM) Program is a unique, one-of-a-kind offering in the United States as an immersive alternative to traditional higher education programs. Designed for both emerging artists and seasoned potters, this program offers a highly individualized ceramics education without the constraints of an academic institution.
Rooted in the rich tradition of mentorship and the hands-on transmission of knowledge from masterful potters, the ISM Program provides the space, structure, and support to help you develop your personal voice in clay. Whether you’re just beginning to establish your work or you’re seeking to evolve and redefine your creative practice, ISM offers a powerful platform for growth.
Over the course of one to three years, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to build a strong, cohesive body of work, one that reflects your unique artistic voice and prepares you for a career in ceramics or a deeply satisfying creative practice. Whether you dream of becoming a full-time studio potter, applying for residencies, exhibiting your work, or simply making more time for clay, the ISM Program offers the resources and relationships to help you get there.
At The Village Potters Clay Center, we believe deeply in the power of community, mentorship, and craft. We welcome you to be a part of this exceptional journey.
General Program Information
What is the the Advanced studies (ISM) program?
The Advanced Studies Program, centered around Independent Study & Mentorship (ISM), is a professional-level ceramics experience. Participants work independently while receiving ongoing mentorship and guidance from The Village Potters Clay Center’s mentor team. The program encourages artists to refine their technical skills, explore personal expression, and grow as confident, self-sustaining makers.
The ISM Program is more than a place to work — it’s a space to grow, create, and connect.
Whether you’re developing a new body of work, refining your techniques, or building your career as a ceramic artist, this program offers the structure, mentorship, and community to help you succeed.
Community Studio Access
ISM program participants enjoy access to a shared studio open 7 days a week (excluding holidays). Each ISM participant has a designated personal work area with shelving and a work table, providing a consistent, professional space to develop your body of work.
Included in the ISM designated shared studio area:
- Communal handbuilding tables and glazing areas
- Access to a slab roller, extruder, spray booth, and additional kiln room shelving
- Safety training and proper instruction on all equipment
- NOTE: Wheel throwers should be prepared to provide their own potter’s wheel
Personalized Mentorship
Each ISM artist receives regular one-on-one mentorship with Village Potters mentors, tailored to your individual goals—whether you’re planning a cohesive body of work, refining forms, or troubleshooting techniques.
You’ll also participate in group critiques, discussions, and community conversations that help you grow alongside other dedicated ceramic artists.
Kiln Access & Firing instruction
ISM participants can work with a diverse range of firing atmospheres, including:
- Cone 6 and Cone 10 reduction and oxidation
- Alteranative firings includig raku, obvara, horse-hair and saggar
- Wood- and soda-influenced atmospheres
All firings include proper instruction and hands-on learning so you understand each stage of the process. Kiln usage is billed monthly, separate from tuition, based on your firing needs.
Glaze Kitchen & Materials Support
Participants have access to a fully equipped glaze kitchen and guidance as you learn to mix and test glazes.
Glaze access by year:
- Year One: Access to ISM community glazes and the ability to mix your own glazes at no extra cost.
- Years Two & Three: Participants are expected to mix their own glazes; materials are billed using our glaze calculator (test batches remain free).
Health and Safety:
We are proud to be a Barium- and Manganese-free studio. These materials are known to pose significant health risks, so no clays or glazes containing them are permitted. By maintaining a non-toxic studio environment, we protect the health and well-being of every artist and create a space where creativity can flourish safely.
Professional Practices & Business Guidance
We’re invested in your success as a working artist. You’ll receive support with:
- Creating and managing a production schedule
- Marketing, branding, and growing your audience
- Sales strategies: galleries, online shops, wholesale, studio sales, and craft shows
- Craft show counseling: where to apply, booth design, travel logistics
- Photographing your work for applications, online sales, and social media
- Planning and setting up your own studio after completing the program
Skill Building & Creative Development
Throughout the program, you’ll experience demonstrations and instruction from mentors and visiting artists focused on:
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Strong forms and functional design
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Lidded forms, handles, attachments, altered forms, and sculpture
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Throwing, handbuilding, extrusions, and surface design techniques
These experiences strengthen your skills and encourage you to explore new creative directions in clay.
Ready to apply to the program?
Please click the button below to fill out our application:
Dates for 2026-27 program: February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027
Application Deadline for 2026-27 program year: December 15, 2025
We can’t wait to see what you’ll create with us at The Village Potters Clay Center!
Meet Our mentors
Click on any name to read more about each mentor
Sarah Wells Rolland
Julia Mann
Judi Harwood
Maria Andrade
Katie Meili Messersmith
Karen Dubois
A look inside the ISM studio
From Our Previous Program participants
I really loved the class. For starters, it was the cleanest pottery studio I’ve ever been to. I also loved the set up where we each got our own wheel, and table. I loved the teacher demos and her ability to move around to each student and help them out (whether they were first timers, or working on something more “intermediate”).
These classes have the best balance of instruction and also working independently on individual interests and skill development. I’ve taken five other pottery classes in three other states (ha!) and this facility and level of instruction is the best I’ve experienced.
Get In Touch
Have more questions about our Advanced Studies Program? Get in touch with us by filling out this form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.