A comment on Saturday’s post about my search for an apprenticeship on the East Coast sent me skipping to Apprenticementor.com, a non profit website where mentors and apprentices can find each other. The new venture was launched last week by apprentice Jennifer Kahn, and artist Celie Fago, a team for almost nine years.
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Celie, a jewelry artist, writer, and much sought after teacher, met Jennifer when Kahn was in college working at a gallery that sold Fago’s jewelry. After attending classes taught by her, Kahn became a live-in apprentice and teaching assistant to the artist, and she continues in those roles today while making and selling her own line of jewelry.
Here’s a snippet of what the duo says about apprenticeships:
“Mentors have the potential to not only pass on their skills but to give those who could never have the time or the money or the know-how, the ability to invest in their passion. They can ensure that crafts stay alive and vibrant for future generations.
There are all levels of potential apprenticeships out there. Some as extensive as the traditional 7 years and some simply lasting for a given event. For example, a potter looking for help selling their work at a craft show in exchange for teaching about how to sell at craft shows. It could be a live-in situation; an apprentice could work for their mentor for a number of days a week in exchange for room and board. Or it could be more casual, meeting once a week for a few hours. Simply go to the directory to peruse or create a listing. You decide what you are looking for or what you want to put out there.”
Celie Fago and Jennifer Kahn
The website is brand new, so there aren’t many people registered yet, but my guess is that will change soon as word gets out about this great service. Keep your eye on Apprenticementor – they have a Facebook page to make it easy for you to do that. I’m on my way over there to register right now – it’s free. Coming?
Many thanks to Angela Crispin for letting us know!
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What a lovely and helpful website. Can’t wait to check it out. Guess I’ll do that now….
Wow Susan,
Thank you so much for your wonderful write up of my new venture. I’ve had the idea for years, I wanted more people to be able to do what what we’ve done – Celie says this is my thesis. It was only an idea though and Simplenation.com generously made it a reality.
How timely that we launched this just as you were looking for an apprenticeship! I hope you find one through the site.
Best and thanks again!
Jen
Apprenticementor.com
jenniferkahnjewelry.com
This is the best idea I’ve seen anywhere. Those of us out here just creating on our own can benefit from a mentor’s input enormously. The idea of one day becoming a mentor is inspiring. I’m a fan already. Watching from the wings on MetalClayGallery and MCG2 have been awesome. Personal interaction about our work will be a step up for many like me. Thanks for this forum. It offers much and I, for one, am ready to mix it up and create together.
Melody