(Carbondale, Colo.) For almost 60 years, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) has offered a rigorous academic curriculum complemented by both an active outdoor program and unique opportunities to study the arts. With artist-in-residence David Powers, CRMS is likely the only high school in the country to offer classes in glassblowing.
David Powers has taught glassblowing for 35 years. He’s quick to point out to the broader implications of his craft. “Glass is a magical, mystical thing, a glob with all this potential, not unlike a teenager,” Powers laughs.
Located in the western Colorado town of Carbondale, CRMS offers coed college preparatory instruction inspired by the motto of American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey – "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."
Powers sees his own work as one of many potential inroads to inspire students in their academic pursuits. “Math, chemistry, geology, physics – these all come into play in glassblowing. I’m not trying to teach these concepts, but I point to them throughout the process and try to get the kids excited about the practical application of these subjects,” Powers says. “A lot has to do with being excited to learn and being willing to take risks – knowing it’s possible to succeed.”
Powers’ personal story is a testament to the long relationship of teaching and learning that the school cultivates. Over the past 40 years, he has been an alumnus, the parent of an alumnus, and a teacher of blacksmithing, ceramics, kayaking and glassblowing.
To learn more about the CRMS glassblowing program and all the other unique offerings at the school, or to come in for a “day-in-the-life of a CRMS student” please contact Teige Muhlfeld (tmuhlfeld@crms.org).
David Powers has taught glassblowing for 35 years. He’s quick to point out to the broader implications of his craft. “Glass is a magical, mystical thing, a glob with all this potential, not unlike a teenager,” Powers laughs.
Located in the western Colorado town of Carbondale, CRMS offers coed college preparatory instruction inspired by the motto of American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey – "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."
Powers sees his own work as one of many potential inroads to inspire students in their academic pursuits. “Math, chemistry, geology, physics – these all come into play in glassblowing. I’m not trying to teach these concepts, but I point to them throughout the process and try to get the kids excited about the practical application of these subjects,” Powers says. “A lot has to do with being excited to learn and being willing to take risks – knowing it’s possible to succeed.”
Powers’ personal story is a testament to the long relationship of teaching and learning that the school cultivates. Over the past 40 years, he has been an alumnus, the parent of an alumnus, and a teacher of blacksmithing, ceramics, kayaking and glassblowing.
To learn more about the CRMS glassblowing program and all the other unique offerings at the school, or to come in for a “day-in-the-life of a CRMS student” please contact Teige Muhlfeld (tmuhlfeld@crms.org).