Master Artist Apprentice Program: Nancy Cooley and Courtney Adair Johnson
The Master Artist/Apprentice Program (MAAP) provides concentrated learning experiences to apprentices demonstrating a commitment to further their abilities as specialized craft practitioners. Now in its sixth year, MAAP celebrates the role of the master/apprentice relationship as a way to preserve the state’s cultural heritage. For the next few weeks we will be running a series spotlighting this year’s awarded pairs!
Our first spotlight is on print makers Nancy Cooley and Courtney Adair Johnson.
Printmaking is a Tennessee craft tradition that can be traced back to the 1700s. Nancy Cooley is a master of this great tradition. She has been printmaking for over 30 years and has experience with bookmaking and the Letterpress printing process.
Nancy Cooley
She has joined the Master Artist Apprentice Program to teach the Letterpress printing process, along with some newer applications of printing plates and paper choice possibilities, in hopes of passing along her knowledge to an apprentice who is eager to learn.
Nancy Cooley
Courtney Adair Johnson has been incorporating printing into her work for 13 years. She hopes to develop her craft by learning Letterpress techniques to create narratives and tell stories in her work, incorporating these elements with sustainable art practices.
Courtney Adair Johnson
By working with a master as opposed to on her own, Courtney wishes to gain the insight and experience of a master, especially one who has led a multifaceted career and who shares her interests in sustainable art and conservation.
Courtney Adair Johnson
Be sure to revisit our blog throughout the year. We will share updates on the progress of Nancy and Courtney’s time together.
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