Faculty

Summervail takes considerable pride, as it should, in the quality of its faculty. It is truly a remarkable roster.

Summervail takes considerable pride, as it should, in the quality of its faculty. It is truly a remarkable roster. The list reads like a “who’s Who” of the arts. Many of the faculty were already established “stars” at the top of their game; others would soon become so. The list is even more impressive when one considers that they were willing to attend despite the ludicrously low pay. Even the Director, Randy Milhoan’s considerable charm and renowned persuasiveness couldn’t have been enough.

Obviously there was some other attraction that brought them. That other attraction was most likely the spirit and attitudes of the workshop.

One of the best aspects of teaching at a workshop is not having to be concerned with credentials. Even though students could earn college credit, through Colorado Mountain College’s Continuing Education Division, an academic degree, or teaching experience, was not required. Talent, and an enthusiasm for sharing that talent, was all that was required. To be sure, there was a plentitude of university-level artist/teachers involved, along with a few high school teachers and talented amateurs and or hobbyists as well. But the overwhelming majority were working professionals for whom taking a week out of their practice added to the financial inch. It was an amazing mixed bag.

In the early days, when the workshop was just forming, faculty were invited who could bring, build, or borrow the tools and equipment they needed. They had to be problem solvers – creative, flexible, adaptable. This often meant inviting friends of the founders or others recommended by them. But as the workshop became more established it was able to cast a broader net – and the fish they caught were ______.