I have been a handspinner since 2019, and now I've acquainted myself with the properties of wool I am ready to dive into weaving. I believe crafting using natural materials is an act of magical transformation and essential to the human relationship with the physical world.

Curtis Fontaine grew up in Exeter NH and began learning ceramics from Ron Burke, Chris Archer and Sarah Burns. He continued his passion for clay at Skidmore College, managing their ceramics studio for two years and studying under Regis Brodie and Leslie Ferst. After school he moved on to an apprenticeship under Toshiko Takaezu. Living and working with her he learned the philosophies and practices of a natural artist. By the time he was finished with the apprenticeship he set out to strengthen his ties with nature. First he worked at Saratoga Apple for Christine and Nate Darrow and Joseph Garricks. Then on Masala Farm as an animal caretaker for Survir Saran and Charlie Burd, where he took care of alpacas, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, geese and more. In 2019 his work was selected by Todd Merrill to be carried in his gallery in NYC, South Hampton and around the country. Curtis tries to continue Toshiko’s practices by balancing his time between ceramics, nature and cooking.

Executive Director, Shelburne Craft School. I am delighted to help lead Shelburne Craft School and be part of the beauty and joy created by such an incredible community of artists. I have held widely varying Non Profit leadership positions throughout my career and serving, small, magical communities has been a heartbeat of my life's work. I hold a BA and an MA in history and an EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Throughout my life I have enjoyed creative pursuits and delight in the notion of working and creating in this community. At Shelburne Craft School I am most proud of our partnerships with Champlain Housing trust that resulted in the creation of an art space at Harbor Place. Additionally our Weaving Your Story program brings me great joy. Finally our community partnerships with South Burlington Vet Center, Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Museum and Age Well make this work meaningful. I live in Shelburne with my husband, Ben, who is an artist, our daughter, Rosie, who is six.