TEACHERS

TEACHERS highlights artists committed to sharing their skills and passion for craft with new generations. Featuring glass artist Mark Mitsuda, Navajo weavers Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete, ceramic artist Linda Sikora, and glass artist Therman Statom.

These artists/teachers are a special breed. By day they are found in classrooms and workshops ensuring that their hard-earned wisdom and practical skills are passed on. Across the country these craft artists are dedicated to education – inspiring, evaluating, critiquing and praising their students’ achievements.

Navajo weavers Barbara Teller Ornelas, Lynda Teller Pete​, Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, Idyllwild Arts Native American Arts Program

Our hour begins with the artistry of Navajo weavers Barbara Teller Ornelas ​and her sister Lynda Teller Pete​, both of whom learned the craft of weaving the time­ honored way –through family. Often this method of teaching begins with observation, when skills are absorbed. This legacy of learning is essential to Navajo weavers. The Teller sisters spent summers with their grandparents in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, ancestral home of the Navajo people, in an environment where weaving “is a way of life.” In early childhood they were introduced to weaving by their mother, Ruth Teller, who instilled the belief that beauty and harmony should be woven into every rug. We film as they teach outdoors amidst the extraordinary natural beauty of the Canyon. They recount the story of Spider Woman who, as ancient legend has it, taught the Navajos to weave. Our cameras then move with them to the Idyllwild Arts Native American Arts Program, where in the summer, they teach the practice of Navajo weaving atop a mountain overlooking Palm Springs, California.

Mark Mitsuda​ IN THE WORKSHOP

We travel to Honolulu, Hawaii where artist Mark Mitsuda​ introduces professional glass forming techniques to his students at Punahou School. In 1972, his mentor Hugh Jenkins started the high school glass program at Punahou, using recycled milk and mayonnaise bottles as raw materials. Mitsuda took charge of the program after Jenkins’ retirement in 1998. Since its inception, participation in the program has doubled. Underscoring the inter­generational mission of teaching, Mitsuda says that what he learned from Jenkins, he now passes on to his own students. “I feel fortunate to be teaching something that I feel passionate about and being able to inspire other people in the place that inspired me to first go into glassblowing.” Mitsuda's early work was a balance between conceptual and functional but was drawn back to making objects of utility which he finds carry tremendous meaning for his students in the process of learning.

Therman Statom​, Studio Glass Movement, Hot Shops Art Center, Omaha, Nebraska

We next travel to Omaha, Nebraska, where Therman Statom​, a major figure of the Studio Glass Movement, decided to start programs for underserved inner city students and at­ risk youth. He states, “I think teaching is the highest form of advocacy in terms of influencing the world or having the chance to be a part of something that you can change.” Our cameras capture Therman at work in his studio and the excitement of his class at the Hot Shops Art Center, witnessing how art and glass blowing inspires youth.We next travel to Omaha, Nebraska, where Therman Statom​, a major figure of the Studio Glass Movement, decided to start programs for underserved inner city students and at­ risk youth. He states, “I think teaching is the highest form of advocacy in terms of influencing the world or having the chance to be a part of something that you can change.” Our cameras capture Therman at work in his studio and the excitement of his class at the Hot Shops Art Center, witnessing how art and glass blowing inspires youth.

Alfred University, School of Art and Design, The College of Ceramics, Professor Linda Sikora

Alfred, New York is home to Alfred University, School of Art and Design. Here, Mark Mitsuda and so many other artists have honed their craft and earned degrees that allow them to become accredited teachers. The College of Ceramics includes a graduate program where conceptual thinking elevates the approach to clay. Professor Linda Sikora ​describes the program: “We teach many disciplines alongside what might be more strictly categorized as craft. This is deliberate and allows our students to become broad thinking in terms of visual and material culture regardless of how they specialize. It is also, I believe, what keeps our program vitalic and contemporary.” Alfred, New York is home to Alfred University, School of Art and Design. Here, Mark Mitsuda and so many other artists have honed their craft and earned degrees that allow them to become accredited teachers. The College of Ceramics includes a graduate program where conceptual thinking elevates the approach to clay. Professor Linda Sikora ​describes the program: “We teach many disciplines alongside what might be more strictly categorized as craft. This is deliberate and allows our students to become broad thinking in terms of visual and material culture regardless of how they specialize. It is also, I believe, what keeps our program vitalic and contemporary.”

TEACHERS ​takes an inclusive approach to education and craft, emphasizing that it is never too early– or too late – to acquire skills and appreciation for craft.

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ARTISTS

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EDUCATION

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TV SERIES

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