Student and Alumni Testimonials:

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1 Student and Alumni Testimonials: The program touches on all aspects of craft and design in a contemporary world and completely prepared me for my career as an emerging maker and artist. I came to Sheridan with little to no technical or historical understanding of ceramics and left enriched, technically capable, confidant and wholly prepared. Sheridan is the best program in Canada bar none. I learned so much and feel a part of a strong and supportive community, both with current students, faculty and alumni. Amber Zuber, Alumnus 2013 The Sheridan Craft and Design (Furniture) Program taught me the skills I needed to set out on my own and helped prepare me to prototype furniture and other household items to pitch to manufactures. As a designer it was extremely valuable to learn the hands on skills needed to be able to self produce my ideas, not only does this save money but also allows me the flexibility to realize more of my ideas. Sheridan also provided me with the opportunity to intern at a reputable design firm based in Toronto, which was paramount in launching my own brand. Tomas Rojcik, Alumnus 2012 Sheridan College s Crafts and Design Program has helped me develop as an artist and as an individual. The program allows students to experience a multitude of studio techniques and practices, experiment with concepts, and provides a positive environment for personal and artistic growth. Crafts and Design is a well- balanced program that covers the practical aspects of design as a profession while encouraging students to explore personal artistic styles. Additionally, the instructors of the Crafts and Design program are top notch, incredibly knowledgeable and talented. The Crafts and Design (Glass) Program has provided me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue a life filled with creative endeavors. Hana Schweighardt, Alumnus 2011 Crafts and Design Glass "As an international student, the Craft and Design program at Sheridan College has provided me with a world class learning experience to develop my creative and technical skills with courses relevant to today s working professionals. With focus on dyeing, printing and finishing, the coursework and hands- on projects have given me the tools to advance my career in the textile industry not only as an artist but also as a craftsman." Larissa Vinck, Class of 2015 Craft and Design Textiles

2 Sheridan's Craft and Design program offered me the privilege of having a specialized education. Sheridan not only allowed me to develop a strong technical foundation, but also fostered a supportive community within which I could gain confidence and grow as an artist. I was surrounded by a diverse group of peers whose positive energy and intense work ethic drove me to develop great habits. The Crafts and Design program was connected to real people and places outside of the school - allowing me to understand my work relative to the market into which I was about to graduate. Zimra Beiner, Alumnus 2008 The faculty and staff members are committed to supporting students with insight, instruction and constructive criticism during the program, and as they pursue careers upon graduation. Meanwhile like- minded peers are always around to offer feedback, great ideas and helpful hands. Today a career in furniture design offers me an ideal balance of creativity and real world problem solving, designing and making. At the end of the day it offers me the satisfaction of seeing a physical manifestation of my own creative ideas and a hard day's work, something that is lacking in office- based design disciplines. Simon Ford, Alumnus 2013 While at Sheridan in the Craft and Design Glass program the studio became my second home. The teachers were there to help us every step of the way with school and non- school related issues. They along with my classmates who have now become my long term friends helped give me the confidence and the skills to not only physically make the ideas floating in my head real but to have the courage to put those ideas out into the world and show people. Becky Lauzon, Class of 2014 Craft and Design Glass The Craft and Design program at Sheridan College, provided me with the skills I needed to pursue my creative and career goals relevant work place experience and knowledgeable instructors and faculty who are active in the local and international textile arts community. Tyler Kenny, Class of 2014 Craft and Design Textiles The Craft and Design program at Sheridan College has been one of my best educational experiences. Never have I met such dedicated faculty who not only challenge us, but also support our growth as makers. The studio facilities are

3 incredibly well maintained and offer all the materials you need to make whatever you dream up. In addition, trips, visiting artists and an encouraging studio environment are all things that make Sheridan Craft and Design a great place to make and be. Habiba El- Sayed, Class of 2014 My foundation in Furniture Design and Fabrication from Sheridan s Craft and Design program has lead me to a balanced career within woodworking; I maintain a studio where I design and make pieces for clients and exhibition, and I am an instructor and studio technician at a university. The furniture program at Sheridan doesn't just cover how to design; it goes deep into the technical aspects of fabrication. From my experiences a strong designer has extensive knowledge of how things are made: joinery, hardware, materials and finish. I greatly enjoyed my time at Sheridan; amazing faculty, outstanding facilities and small classes make for a very positive learning experience. Katrina Tompkins, Alumnus 2009 Sheridan's ceramics program was an invaluable creative- community experience. Starting with virtually no prior acquaintance with such a complex medium, the program imparted a wide range of technical, aesthetic and conceptual understanding. The opportunities afforded to me within this community have allowed me to work entirely within my field since completing the program. These experiences were vital in legitimizing my artistic practice and have given me the tacit knowledge and sensibilities required to move capably through new and ever- changing landscapes of Craft, Art and Design. Daily exposure to the various Archetypes of Craft was an essential part of the program and a great way to broaden a creative vocabulary and proficiency across media. Even if I tried my darndest to convey my fondness of colleagues and mentors throughout the experience - I couldn't do it in just a few lines. Lana Filippone, Alumnus 2008 During my time in the Craft and Design program I was given the opportunity to learn from some of the best and most experienced faculty who not only taught me about what I needed to know about designing and building furniture but who also guided me into creating my new path and future as a designer. The program gave me a chance to be part of a family of inspiring fellow students who all came from a variety of different creative backgrounds. I m grateful for what Sheridan gave me, the education I received, the mentorship I gained and friends I have made that are now once again my shop mates.

4 Lauren Reed, Alumnus 2013 I think Sheridan provides a very stable base to build a career in ceramic art. Not only is there access to a renowned and diverse group of faculty, it also has one of the best- equipped and maintained studios in Canada. Sheridan, being so close to Toronto, is linked to a cultural hub with world- class museums, food and entertainment. I still rely on the connections I made at Sheridan, and feel so fortunate to have studied there. Jordan McDonald, Alumnus 2005 "Sheridan College s Craft and Design program is outstanding. The furniture specialization, primarily focused on wood- based furniture, provides an in- depth, hands- on learning experience that teaches the fundamentals of design and construction while simultaneously cultivating the creativity each student brings to the program. Peter Fleming, Rob Diemert, and the rest of the faculty are devoted instructors and mentors. They provide you not only with the technical knowledge you need to succeed, but also with excellent constructive feedback that helps push the quality of your work to the next level. One of the best parts of the Sheridan experience is that even after you graduate you can still count on the faculty for support. I cannot say enough about this program and the faculty; they are absolutely amazing!" Laura Langford, Alumnus 2012 As a first year student, I was impressed with the facilities and the resources available. As my education progressed, I was affected by the quality of the people around me, both faculty and fellow student. When I graduated from the Craft and Design program, I left with enduring friendships and a place among the greater community of artists and makers. Max Blankstein, Alumnus 2001 The Ceramics studio is a home away from home for us. We're pushed to explore diversity, to challenge and express ourselves. We are encouraged to work within community. Because the place becomes so much a part of our lives, the people do as well. We not only work to expand and deepen our own creativity, we also critically engage in the practices of our peers. When those precious once in a lifetime opportunities are presented to you, your professors will do everything in their power to see that you can take advantage of them. For example, I was a studio assistant to Phil Rogers, a renowned potter in Wales last summer because our

5 faculty supported this opportunity. The experience of being a Sheridan student has encouraged me to be invested in excellence. Jordan Scott, Class of 2015