Effective April 2nd, 2022, face coverings will be optional on Sawtooth’s campus, including in all studios.
Please remain respectful of those that continue to mask. Sawtooth is an inclusive environment and we desire for everyone to feel supported, safe, and welcome on our campus. Disposable masks are available at our front desk for anyone who would like one.
As we continue to monitor ongoing guidance from the CDC, state, and local officials, Sawtooth may update or amend our COVID-19 protocol. All updates will be posted on Sawtooth’s website and reasonable efforts will be made to notify students and instructors prior to their class start date.
Effective Oct 17th, 2022
Face coverings are optional on Sawtooth’s campus, including in all studios.
Please remain respectful of all students. Sawtooth is an inclusive environment and we desire for everyone to feel supported, safe, and welcome on our campus. Disposable masks are available at our front desk for anyone who would like one.
As we continue to monitor ongoing guidance from state and local officials, Sawtooth may update or amend our COVID protocol. All updates will be posted on Sawtooth’ s website and reasonable efforts will be made to notify students and instructors prior to their class date.
At Sawtooth, we continue to monitor and follow the CDC guidelines for maintaining a safe environment for our students, faculty, and staff members.
Our Updated Guidelines as of January 5, 2022:
- Everyone, vaccinated or unvaccinated, must wear masks at all times when on the premises
- Limited class sizes to ensure social distancing
- Students and instructors are asked to respect and adhere to 3ft. social distancing.
- Hand sanitizing will be encouraged and surfaces in studios will be cleaned between classes. Sanitizer will be provided to students.
- Students will have assigned supplies to avoid sharing wherever possible and shared equipment will be cleaned between classes.
- Requiring proof of vaccination or negative Covid test for any school wide event
- CDC guidelines will be followed
Please visit The NC Department of Heath for more information.
On March 18, amidst the uncertainty we are facing, I was reminded of the power of the arts.
I accompanied Seth Charles, our Director of Ceramics, as he opened up the studio for students to collect projects, tools, clay, etc. More than 100 students came by. It was moving for Seth and myself to see the extraordinary community of artists that call Sawtooth home.
Sawtooth temporarily closed its doors on March 16. And on March 31 we had to temporarily layoff our staff. It’s very difficult for all of us.
For now, we are working to provide an online presence, experimenting with other ways of teaching and engaging with our students, and of course continuing to make art. One thing that everyone at Sawtooth is aware of is the sense of hope and well-being that the arts offer.
What’s next? We continue to monitor the situation and follow local, state and federal guidelines that ensure everyone’s health.
Many people have asked: “How can I help?” The situation is very fluid and uncertain right now, but here are some suggestions:
First, we ask our Sawtooth community not to ask for refunds at this time. We are planning to reschedule all our classes and workshops when we reopen. All credits will be good for two years.
Second, please stay connected to Sawtooth. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We’ll keep you informed of our progress.
Third, please consider making a gift to Sawtooth. We have created a COVID-19 Sustainability Fund that will enable us to establish programming when we are able to open up our doors to the community again. Give now >
Fourth, keep making art. Send us photos of what you are doing. Now more than ever, all of us at Sawtooth appreciate the power of the arts. I look forward to once again walking through our halls and seeing artists at work – laughing, connecting, and creating.
Thank you for your understanding, patience and incredible support. Be safe and take good care.
“Art has always been the raft onto which we climb to save our sanity. I don’t see a different purpose for it now.” – Dorothea Tanning
Due to the Governor Roy Cooper’s “stay at home” order and the unfolding of the pandemic, Sawtooth will remain closed until June 1, 2020. As we continue to monitor the situation we will keep you updated on our website.
Thank you for your support of Sawtooth. We look very forward to seeing everyone again in our studios and enjoying the community that we all share. Stay safe and well.