Bill May, Executive Director of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

A note from host Chris McAdoo:
What a cool interview. I've loved Arrowmont and it's mission for a long time. It was AMAZING to tour the campus, see people from all over the world attending workshops ranging from metalworking to pottery and printmaking...and seeing real creative, collaborative joy on so many faces. Bill walked me through the grounds where everyone is engaged and creating - and to where buildings were taken by the recent wildfires that devastated Gatlinburg, TN. (Note - I grew up in Sevierville, right down the mountain. George grew up in Gatlinburg. These fires hit very close to home).
Bill thinks EVERYONE is born curious and creative, and it shows. His attitude towards others and towards the power of making things is rather contagious. Bill was (and is) a well-regarded glass artist (for over 30 years) before he joined Arrowmont - he attended classes, taught years later, and eventually became Executive Director. At any rate, I certainly left there with a renewed sense of creative purpose and I hope you will too.
-Mc

From Arrowmont's website:
ARROWMONT IS AN OPPORTUNITY.
In a time when many are seeking fresh ways of problemsolving, seeing differently and communicating effectively, Arrowmont offers an opportunity for people of all skill levels to spend a weekend, a week or two weeks immersed in art-making – experimenting, learning new techniques, exploring a variety of media and forms of expression – or simply taking time to be fully focused and present in a creative manner without the distractions of daily life. For some, it is the opportunity to study with leading, nationally-recognized artists who travel to the campus to teach specific workshops and serve as the School’s foundation in ensuring the highest quality of innovative instruction. For others, it is the exceptional, well-equipped studios where students can work safely and confidently in a professional-level environment. For many, it is the daily engagement among a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, coming together to learn and work in a supportive, creative environment.

Learn more at:
www.arrowmont.org
www.facebook.com/arrowmont