Both students and teachers in the Haywood Community College (HCC) Professional Crafts program form a prominent part of the vibrant creative community in Western North Carolina, an area with a rich history of traditional craftsmanship. Today, you’ll hear from textile artist Amy Putansu and woodworking instructor Brian Wurst about the accessible nature of the HCC Professional Crafts Program in Waynesville, North Carolina, and the professional practice training that makes this program so unique. You’ll also gain insight into what it takes to apply, what you’ll learn as a student there, what the future of craft in America looks like, and much more! For anyone who is interested in additional training in clay, fiber art, jewelry, or wood, plus the entrepreneurial skills you need to market yourself and your work, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with Amy Putansu and Brian Wurst!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What HCC Professional Crafts offers, from fine craftsmanship to entrepreneurship skills.
• Things that make this program unique and how Brian became an instructor.
• Insight into the accessible application requirements and the history of the program.
• The kinds of students that typically attend the classes and what they learn.
• Fresh, contemporary takes on the traditional craft history of Western NC.
• Strong connections between economic development and craft making.
• How Brian and Amy have integrated entrepreneurship and creativity in their practices.
• Perspectives on what the future of craft in America looks like.
• A funny story about Louise’s last visit to the annual Penland School of Craft auction.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Haywood Community College (HCC) — https://www.haywood.edu/

HCC Professional Crafts — https://www.haywood.edu/programs/professional-crafts.php

Amy Putansu — https://www.putansutextiles.com/

Amy Putansu on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/putansutextiles/

Amy Putansu on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-putansu-76521113a/

Brian Wurst — https://southernhighlandguild.org/member/brianwurst/

Brian Wurst on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wurst-38378775/

Annual Penland School of Craft Auction — https://penland.org/support-penland/annual-auction/

Artsville Virtual Gallery — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/virtual-gallery/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/

Art Connections with Sherry Masters — https://www.arttoursasheville.com

Mountain BizWorks —