Snow Farm’s First Annual Instructor Recognition Dinner
Williamsburg, MA – May 16, 2025 for immediate release
Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program recently held its first annual Instructor Recognition Dinner recognizing legacy instructors Alexandra Sheldon in 2D Mixed Media, Rick Angus in Woodworking, and Alan Burton Thompson in Metalsmithing & Jewelry. Each of these amazing artists has over 20 years of experience sharing their art and craft with students at Snow Farm.
Alexandra Sheldon
A foundational instructor in Snow Farm’s 2D studio, Alexandra Sheldon has been teaching since 1999. Her signature workshop, Explorative & Painterly Collage, has been a Snow Farm staple for many years and she’s developed quite a loyal following of students. In her workshops, Alexandra helps guide students exploring color, texture, composition, light, movement, space, and narrative while making collages from scratch with an emphasis on making and learning in a joyous and supportive space.
“Alexandra, as you know, is simply one of the best of the best.” – former student
“I had been looking forward to this workshop for at least 6 months. You guys blew me away! Still processing all the things I learned. Alexandra is great! Encouraging but not pushy, engaging and also flexible. I could listen to her talk about her work forever.” – former student
“I have studied numerous times with Alexandra but she always inspires me and provides new challenges, and as a result I always come away with new skills.” – former student
Collage making has long been one of the pillars of the Snow Farm 2D Mixed Media studio; this playful medium allows for a myriad of stylistic approaches from the representational to the abstract. Collage can provide a rich avenue of study to explore shape and color as well as hold its own as refined, expressive finished works – Alexandra’s work is a prime example.
Rick Angus
A foundational instructor in Snow Farm’s Woodworking Studio, Rick Angus has been teaching since 2006. He’s adept at leading novices and more experienced students alike. Rick’s recent workshops include Turning Holiday Ornaments, Practice Makes Progress: Building Bowl Turning Skill, Beginning Woodturning: Fundamental Techniques, all of which turn out more confident wood workers in both spindle turning and cross-grain turning.
“Rick did a superb job of teaching about turning technique, tool sharpening and design. I wish I had taken his class years ago.” – former student
“Of the four teachers I’ve studied woodworking with, Rick Angus was the most knowledgeable instructor, by far. He combined a scientist’s understanding of the principles underlying the techniques he demonstrated with a real love for his craft. That is a rare combination, and it left me with a much deeper appreciation for the art and skills of turning wood.” – former student
“Rick was my dream instructor; he presented clearly and knowledgeably, he was helpful, supportive, kind and patient, and I really appreciated his willingness to stay with us for extra evening hours.” – former student
Rick has been experimenting with woodworking since he was in high school and teaching at Snow Farm since 2006. Over the decades, he has guided dozens of woodturners along their journeys, emphasizing the importance of efficient tool handling. As Rick describes, “a sharp tool can be a wonderful dance partner if properly led” and learning proper tool handling can allow the woodturner to focus on the joy of discovering and honing the form of the emergent object.
Alan Burton Thompson
Alan Burton Thompson has been a foundational instructor in Snow Farm’s Metalsmithing & Jewelry Studio, teaching since 1989. Alan’s recent workshops include making Intro to Metalsmithing & Jewelerymaking, Casting & Capturing Nature in Metal, and a Jewelry Soldering Intensive, each one an opportunity to boost, sharpen and refine your jewelry making skills. Alan has long helped his students gain competence and confidence in the world of metal preparation, proper heating, and skill with the torch and other equipment.
“Alan is a consummate professional, generous with his time & expertise and, not incidentally, hilarious.” – former student
“Alan was awesome! He explained the reason behind everything we did…and with humor, patience and some great stories!!” – former student
“Alan was incredibly knowledgeable and I appreciated his responsive approach to teaching & learning. I felt he was very observant and it showed in how he anticipated issues and helped us problem solve before we even knew what problems we were in for. He was terrific & I would love to take more workshops in the future under his guidance.” – former student
Alan is a great example of a jewelry artist who wears his art on his sleeve. His extensive portfolio of assemblage-style brooches sit at the intersection of fine art and fashion – as well as in the collections of Smithsonian, the Racine Museum of Art, and the White House.
Thank you!
A very hearty thank you to Alexandra, Rick, and Alan for their immense contributions to Snow Farm over the years and their enduring presence
The second annual Snow Farm Instructor Recognition dinner will be held Saturday May 22nd, 2027 where we will recognize Bob Green, Mo Kelman, and Lilliana Glenn.
