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HCC Professional Crafts Department Welcomes Two New Instructors
The Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Division is proud to announce two new instructors beginning this fall semester. Amy Putansu is the new Fiber instructor replacing Catharine Ellis who retired after more than 30 years of service to the college. Brian Wurst is the new Wood instructor who replaces Wayne Raab who also recently retired with over 30 years of service. Both Putansu and Wurst bring a wealth of experience to the college.
Putansu will relocate to the area from Rockland, Maine. She obtained a degree in textile design with a focus in weaving from the Rhode Island School of Design. Most recently, she was gallery manager at Island Institute in Rockland. Through this large non-profit, Putansu oversaw operations of a 2000 square foot fine art and contemporary craft gallery. As part of the organization's mission, Amy participated in building and supporting small business for many of Maine's artists and craftspeople.
Before joining Island Institute, Putansu launched her own collection of hand-woven accessories and garments called Putansu Textiles. For seven years, Amy marketed her own work in both wholesale and retail markets nationally. She has received numerous awards, some of which include: the Jack Lenor Larsen Scholarship in Weaving to the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts; the 2002 Washington Craft Show Crafts America Collector’s Award of Excellence; and the 2002 American Craft Council Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence.
Putansu has received media recognition from Ornament Magazine, the Midcoast Review, Martha Stewart Living Television, The Courier-Gazette, The Camden Herald, and Niche Magazine. In 2001, a piece of her work was acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. She has participated in numerous exhibitions and craft shows from Maine to Palm Beach. Her teaching career began in 2004 and she most recently taught at Penland School of Crafts.
While Putansu always knew she wanted to work in the craft field, Wurst learned his true calling after time spent in the architectural field. The Asheville native received degrees in Architectural Studies and English then worked for a commercial architect when he realized he wanted to do less intense and more hands-on work.
Wurst finished the Professional Crafts-Wood Program at HCC in 2001 and operated a woodworking business in Asheville splitting time between gallery work, show pieces, and commission furniture and cabinets.
Wurst began teaching part-time at HCC in 2007. He has two young children.
“My work is a blend of two backgrounds,” he explains, “A rigorous training in studio arts and a deep love of the natural world. Before woodworking became my main focus, I worked as an architect, learning much of structure, pattern, detail, and history; that experience translates into a geometric, Deco-like design sensibility. In those same years I hiked thousands of miles among the mountains and valleys of my raising, learning much of their flora, fauna, and cultures; from this comes a fondness for curves and natural imagery. As opposite as these design inspirations may seem, I strive to balance them my furniture, cabinetry, and accessories.”
The professional crafts programs at HCC is a one-of-a-kind program that develops technical expertise, stirs the creative spirit, and sharpens marketing and business skills through classroom and studio experience. The program is designed to give students a well-rounded basis for becoming a recognized craft designer. The four major program areas are clay, fiber, jewelry, and wood. Courses are also available in hand-wrought metals. For more information on these programs of study, please call Student Development Services at 627-4500.
Amy Putansu joins the HCC Professional Crafts faculty as the fiber instructor.
Putansu crafted this Linen Marabou Scarf with hand woven silk and linen.
Amy Putansu, HCC’s new Professional Crafts Fiber instructor made these Lace Weight Crepe Scarves from hand woven wool and mohair.
Brian Wurst joins the HCC Professional Crafts faculty as the wood instructor.
Wurst crafted this table is called Wovenlegs Table. It is made of maple and glass and won an award at the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta in 2000.
Brian Wurst, HCC’s new Professional Crafts Wood instructor made this wall cabinet called "CD (Castanea Dentata) Cabinet." It is made of wormy chestnut and quarter sawn sycamore and was crafted for a show at Grovewood Gallery in Asheville co-sponsored by the American Chestnut Foundation.
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