I have taught and lectured in a wide variety of settings, from multi-week workshops at places like Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, to one day workshops on specific techniques, to individual tutoring in my studio. If you are interested in having me teach a workshop or give a lecture, I would be happy to talk to you about options, schedules and costs.
Teaching Philosophy
I feel that an instructor should keep three goals in mind. The first should be the nourishment of individual capabilities and self-confidence. The second should be explanation of skills, sources and methods that will further the student’s artistic development. The third should be transmission of an awareness of historic precedents from the fine and the applied arts.
I believe in criticism that instructs rather than intimidates. I like to encourage a spirit of class cooperation and interaction. I want students to learn to value themselves and their work. They should not wait until later to take themselves seriously.
- Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME: June ’91, June ’02
- Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN: June ’89, June ’90, March ’04
- Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC: June ’90, April ’91
- The Banff Center, Calgary, AB: August ’91
- Germany/Switzerland: October ’90
- Denmark/Germany: ’91
- Germany/Switzerland: September to November ’97
- Paris/Germany: October ’98
- QSDS Columbus, OH: ’94, ’98
- Various quilt guilds in USA: 1987 – Present
Workshops Offered
Some of the workshops I offer are listed below. If you are looking for something different please contact me so that we can discuss what you have in mind.
(2-3 days, 6-16 participants): We will apply strip piecing and strip quilting to designing a medium sized wall hanging. For advanced participants only.
(1 day, 6-20 participants): Students will be given a design formula for choosing fabrics that will be strip pieced and then sewn into a small wall hanging in the quilt-as-you-go method. Special emphasis will be on color selection. Be prepared to trade some of your fabric with others in the class to have more colors to work with.
(2-3 days, 6-16 participants): Are beautiful, bold colorful batiks filling your stash closet? Are you wondering what to do with these precious yards? They can be tamed into submission with strip piecing.
(1-2 days, 6-20 participants): This workshop on color encourages participants to experiment with colors not previously included in their personal palettes. I introduce basic elements of color theory and color interaction to give the intellectual basis for new color choices. During a swap each participant gives away some of their favorite colors and must choose to incorporate other’s favorite hues into the second part of the exercises. I am assuming that a limited palette is the result of insufficient information and lack of confidence. I hope to have people integrate new colors into their habitual choices. New solutions can be applied to designing traditional or original quilt blocks.
(1-3 participants): This is a special session devoted to one-on-one tutoring for the advanced student only. Participants will bring quilt design ideas and all equipment and materials necessary. Bringing slides of work and completed quilts is encouraged. Feedback and discussion will help sort out problems arising from design issues, color decisions, and technical applications. Emphasis will be placed on gaining expertise and focusing on a personal artistic voice. Professional practices, portfolio development and small business advice can be part of the materials covered. Contact Jude for all particulars of course length, cost, and housing.