FEB 20, 2025 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | By Sydney McGarr
semester.
Earlier this month, Colorado College’s Arts and Crafts studio began a new semester of their independent study program.
Independent study is intended to provide artistic students with a space to focus on a specific area of craft for a semester. Students are accepted on a semesterly basis after an application process involving explaining long-term artistic goals in one of the spaces offered within the studio: ceramics, fibers, drawing, painting and jewelry making.
Once accepted, students are welcomed into a collaborative group of student artists pursuing the same mediums. They are granted access to the studio during after-hours and weekends, where they can work on their projects in a more focused, less crowded environment.
“I think a lot of students are excited to use the studio more and to have additional access on the weekends to work,” said Rebecca Parker, the Director of the Arts and Crafts program.
“I wanted Arts and Crafts to be a space that’s accessible where you can grow your skills in many different ways,” she explained.
Parker and her team are working hard to make the space an environment where students can explore their creative pursuits and feel welcome to reach out for guidance if they need it.
Asher Porad ‘27 is entering his second semester of being an independent study student for ceramics. Through the program, he’s been able to hone in on specific skills he is working to improve.
“I really had never found a creative outlet that I liked. Being able to come in here and have my own space and really release my creativity has added a lot to my life,” said Porad.
For some students with busy schedules, independent study offers the advantage of being able to be flexible with creative time.
“Independent study allows me to be more flexible with my time, just because the clay club is a certain amount of hours per day. I can sort of pick and choose when I have moments to do it,” said Logan Brunk ‘27.
The independent study program is just one part of the blossoming arts and crafts program at CC. The Worner studio is open to all students during select open craft hours and plans to host a variety of events this semester including a spring fashion show, fiber fellowship and arts in the outdoors.
Students looking to get involved in arts and crafts programming should apply on Summit and follow along with the department on Instagram @cc_artsandcrafts.