1 Week Summer Workshops: 7/8 - 7/12

3D Printing for Metal Casting 7/8 - 7/12

This workshop for K- 12 teachers introduces participants to the concepts and requirements for successful 3D printing. We will work with open source 3D models and convert those designs into cast pewter pieces. The program includes an overview of software and hardware features. The workshop is designed for beginners. Basic computer skills are required. Erin is the Digital Fabrication Lab Specialist at the New York State College of Ceramics.

Painting Patterns in Nature 7/8 - 7/12

This workshop will investigate plein air landscape drawing and painting and will transition into abstract representations of nature. The class will cover drawing and painting techniques and will incorporate an exploration with mixed media.

Transformative Fiber Arts 7/8 - 7/12

This workshop encourages conversations about cultural relationships related to fabrics and materials that are significant to individual narratives. The sessions support emotional exploration with community dialog, creative expression, and celebrated risk. Incorporating cotton fabric, plant fibers, pigment, and natural dyes in 2D and 3D designs, the materials are broken down to a pulp, slurried in vats, and then pulled to form sheets of handmade paper. Over the event, attendees will learn the fundamentals of hand papermaking and engage in the opportunity to share personal narratives in a safe space, prompting a visual voice of truth.

High School Institutes: 

Engineering: 7/8 - 7/12 or 7/15 - 7/19

Come experience our maker culture for yourself and learn about our unique, one of a kind engineering programs. Torch test ceramics made for hypersonics and space flight, melt glass, explore our suite of ceramic, metal, and plastic 3D printers, make and test a supercapacitor, learn how AI can optimize renewable energy systems, and explore materials at the microscopic and atomic scale. Spend time with a dozen world-renowned engineering faculty and mingle with our graduate and undergraduate researchers. Questions? Email engineering@alfred.edu.

Auditioning for Theatre and Film: 7/8 - 7/12

Have you wanted to try acting, but are intimidated by auditioning? Do you have experience auditioning but want to take the next step? This high school institute is for you! This institute will introduce students to the process of auditioning for theatre, film, television, and commercials. Subjects presented will include: headshot/resume building, auditioning technique, how to get auditions, and more!

Songwriting and Music Production: 7/8 - 7/12

This high school institute is guided by one question: What makes a song good? Granted the word "good" implies tastes and values that vary across cultures and populations. Yet is there a way to analyze and describe what makes certain songs effective and emotionally affective? This institute is designed for songwriters and music producers of all levels who want to try and answer this question through the creation and development of their own original songs. The institute will be broken into three phases: Analysis, Laboratory, and Performance. The Analysis phase will consist of learning and developing a knowledge of musical and audio production language to technically describe songwriting and music production practices; Laboratory will allow participants time to explore and develop ideas through experimentation and collaboration while utilizing AU music studio facilities; Performance will act as a capstone to the institute where participants will work with the instructor in producing a complete live and/or recorded presentation of their song.

Wheel Throwing Intensive: 7/8 - 7/12

During this week-long high school institute, participants will gain experience and knowledge to help them work more intentionally on the potter’s wheel. Through demonstration, presentation, and an abundance of time in the studio, you will gain the skills to throw forms in sections, forms in multiples, and more. There will also be both individual and group feedback and conversation. In addition to the throwing practice and assistance, we will cover surface techniques and applications during our time together.