Learning at the 2013 Academy

Last year, instructors and students alike left with a sense of having been part of something much more rewarding than the organizers had hoped to achieve. For your enjoyment, here are some photos from the 2013 Good Sam Academy.

"Teaching at the 2013 Academy was a great experience for both the students and the teachers," says instructor Rik Pierce. "Students learned a lot and laughed a lot."

Instructor Rik Pierce gives a demonstration in his 2013 Medieval Folly workshop. All of the instructors were passionate about sharing their knowledge with students.

"To observe all of the individual talent and skills being learned in Rik Pierce's class and the other classes was remarkable," says student Carolynn Walden. "It is a memory that will always stay with me."

"The 2013 Academy was well organized with wonderful students eager to learn, making teaching a pleasure," said Stained Glass instructor Barbara Sabia.

Student Betty Hodges enjoyed learning the basic techniques of lead cutting, lead usage and glazing for stained glass. "The experience was so much fun that I am already signed up for the 2014 Good Sam Academy."

Student Larrell Howell says of Geoff Wonnacott's 2013 furniture workshop: "I learned techniques and methods that can be applied to many different miniature projects. I am very proud of the piece I completed."

Bluette Meloney taught faux finishing techniques in her 2013 Le Bon Marché workshop. Student Ruth Block said, "I enjoyed the class immensely and have a beautiful display box for my efforts." 

At lunchtime, students and instructors enjoyed the unique ambiance of hot pizza straight from a wood-burning oven. 

The 2013 Good Sam Academy was a truly serendipitous experience for all. It brings to mind the old adage, "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts." Don't miss the opportunity to attend this year's Academy.