252: Ireland Week: Gus Mabelson on Ireland’s Ceramic Skills and Design Course
Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Gus Mabelson. In 1991 Gus came to Thomastown, Ireland to start a throwing course that would provide trained workers for the booming Irish ceramic field. Twenty-seven years later he continues to shape generations of Irish artists with the expanded skills and design course. In the interview we talk about the education principles that he prioritized when setting up the program, generating momentum for craft in a rural location, and hosting Prince Charles for a visit to the school. For more information about the course visit the Design and Craft Council of Ireland's website www.dccoi.ie. This interview was taped at the 2018 Ceramics Ireland International Festival in Thomastown, Kilkenny. Hey Red Clay Rambler fans, thanks for listening to this episode and for supporting the show with your donations and iTunes comments. About a year ago I started using Patreon to create a sustaining membership campaign. It has been a great tool to raise funds, but I continue to need your help to meet my operating budget. If you can spare a few dollars a month I ask that you sign up at www.patreon.com/redclayrambler or give a one-time donation through the Pay Pal portal at www.talesofaredclayrambler.com. Every dollar helps, and no donation is too small. Thanks for helping to keep this show on the air!