Morgan Conservatory Certificate in Professional Papermaking
The Morgan Conservatory is launching a Certificate in Professional Papermaking.
The Morgan’s six-week program is designed for those who wish to pursue a career as a professional and/or collaborative papermaker. This intensive, full-time program concentrates first on strengthening and refining technical skills in Eastern papermaking and Western papermaking, and then applies those skills to contemporary techniques culminating in a collaborative project with an established visiting artist. Prior knowledge of papermaking is required. A maximum of 4 students will be accepted in this first year.
TIMELINE
Application Opens: December 15, 2025
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
Notification: February 15, 2026
Program Dates: June 15 - July 25, 2026
PLEASE NOTE
While six weeks in duration, this is an intensive program that requires a minimum of 50-60 hours of participation per week and as much as half of this time is active studio work. Instructors will give readings and production assignments with the expectation that students will fulfill all assignments.
INSTRUCTORS
Tom Balbo | Eastern- Japanese, Western, Sculptural
Kate Chapel | Botany, Sustainability
Nicole Donnelly | Western, Fine art editioning, Collaboration
Aimee Lee | Eastern- Korean traditions
Kelly Taylor Mitchell | Visiting Artist
PROGRAM COSTS
The Morgan Conservatory collects a workshop fee of $1,950 for expendable materials (due by April 15).
Housing for students will be provided.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must reside within the United States and cannot be currently enrolled in a degree granting program. Applicants must be able to commit to participating in the program for its complete duration, June 15 - July 25, 2026.
APPRENTICE PAPERMAKER FELLOWSHIP
Students who complete the Certificate in Professional Papermaking may apply for a one-year Morgan Conservatory apprenticeship. The Apprentice Papermaker is paid a stipend and takes part in the activities of the Morgan’s papermaking studio, working under the supervision of the Lead of Paper Production and Studio Manager. The Apprentice collaborates with artists to produce custom papers and fine art editions, participates and assists in shop management, and completes an independent research project.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Week 1 - June 15
Eastern Papermaking & Global Traditions
Week 2 - June 22
Eastern Fibers, Hanji, and Other Crafts
Week 3 - June 29
Western Fibers & Hollander Beater Training
Week 4 - July 6
Western Sheet Production, Watermarks
Week 5 - July 13
Contemporary Techniques,
2D & 3D
Week 6 - July 20
Contemporary Techniques, Collaboration
HOW TO APPLY
The APPLICATION FORM must be completed and submitted online. In addition to the form's questions, additional materials must be saved as PDF and uploaded with your application. The following PDFs should be titled "Lastname.First_1.pdf", etc.:
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Letter of Intent (PDF 1, one page): Outline your goals and objectives for applying to the Morgan Conservatory’s Certificate in Professional Papermaking program.
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Current Work Résumé (PDF 2).
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Artist CV (PDF 3, max 2 pages).
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Portfolio (PDF 4, 10–15 images): Images of your handmade paper work or collaborative projects. Include captions with title, year, media/materials, dimensions, and collaborators (if applicable).
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One Letter of Reference (PDF 5): From one of the references listed in your application.
This program is made possible through funding from the Ohio Arts Council, ArtsNext Grant.
Artist Opportunities: