Although we had to postpone this year’s Artisan Accelerator event, we’re happy to digitally unveil the work of our graduating Artisan Accelerator cohort including:

• Ruth Easterbrook of Ruth Easterbrook Ceramics
• Thomas Miller of iron peony
• John Castellaneta of Castle Brothers Workshop
• Vivian Purcell of Vivian Purcell Ceramics
• Sara Becker of Absurd Printworks
• Daniel Haughton of DH Studio

But what is Artisan Accelerator?

NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator program is an eight-week experience giving artisan entrepreneurs the essential tools, support, and structure to build viable businesses.

Who is eligible for the Artisan Accelerator?

Artists and artisans who are eager to take their craft to the next level. Whether it’s to start or sustain their business, the Artisan Accelerator provides participants the tools and strategies they need in addition to an invaluable community. This program offers a blend of hands-on and philosophical understanding of how and why business is important to their craft.

Stay tuned for dates for our next info session by subscribing to our newsletter, scroll down until you see the sign-up form!

When can I apply?

Although the Spring cohort has ended (see below for this season’s graduates!), we’ll soon open applications for the Fall 2023 Cohort. By subscribing to our newsletter, you’ll receive updates for the next application period and other programs you may be interested in.

Our other programs include classes from jewelry-making to Adobe Illustrator, which you can sign up for here. (Members receive a discount.)

We also have workshops about social media management to product photography, which you sign up for here.

What is it like to be part of Artisan Accelerator?

This program creates a safe and nurturing environment for artists and artisans to ask questions with answers you can’t search online. With opportunities for mentorship and experimentation, we’ll walk you through what it takes to turn your passion into a viable and sustainable small business.

Every participant will also be featured on our website and participate in a showcase where you will have a chance to connect with attendees and show off all your hard work.

Who was part of previous Accelerators?

Check out our most recent graduating cohort below!

Introducing our Artisan Accelerator 2023 Graduates!

Congratulations to each of our participants—we’re sorry we had to postpone the showcase but we’re hoping to reschedule soon so we can celebrate altogether! In the meantime, we encourage you to check out their websites and follow them on social media.

Ruth Easterbrook of Ruth Easterbrook Ceramics

I make small-batch pottery as a form of interactive art and pots that enhance your everyday meals and home. My work is thoughtfully handmade. The surfaces are subtle and complex, using multiple glazes and layering to create designs that wrap and hug the many planes of the form of a pot. Through my teaching, I share this thoughtfulness of making and the many tips and tricks I have acquired and earned throughout my career as a ceramic artist.

Thomas Miller of Iron Peony

We are a small agency in Germantown with a mission of repurposing and up-cycling materials to create art and artisanal art supplies. Our first major product will be an artisanal paper that’s been created from discarded paper bags and egg cartons.

John Castellaneta of Castle Brothers Workshop

I design and build modern custom furniture with quality materials and solid joinery, built to last. I want customers that are willing to spend a bit more than IKEA furniture with the understanding that my furniture can last a lifetime.  I also sell a handful of products on Etsy (board game pieces, pins, coasters) and am currently prototyping a few unique products that I think can be good sellers (dyed maple signs).

Vivian Purcell of Vivian Purcell Ceramics

Woodfired ceramic art objects made for everyday use.

Sara Becker of Absurd Printworks

My name is Sara! Absurd Printworks has evolved from a personal printing and sculpture practice to a boutique service for local bands, artists, and events. I specialize in small runs of screen-printed apparel, event posters, and art prints and create large-scale geometric folded sculptures for live events, exhibitions, and for purchases. Bold simplicity is my inspiration. I am looking to expand my community further and push my process in experimentation! I would be thrilled to be a part of your space.

Daniel Haughton of DH Studio

I design and make custom cabinetry and furniture. My current business is a mix of 3D design service as well as fabrication of custom items.

You could be part of the next Artisan Accelerator cohort!

Stay tuned for rescheduling dates!

In Partnership with FORMATION. Media