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Dear Aviva,

I am back in Israel after two and a half wonderful weeks at Penland School of Crafts, where I took part in a ceramics wood-firing course. I can't thank AIDA enough for the opportunity that this scholarship has given me!

The chance to take time out from my busy career and to totally immerse myself in learning new skills and developing techniques has been invaluable and quite honestly a dream come true.

Just being at Penland, surrounded by so many talented and inspiring people has been a great experience. The informal atmosphere meant that students and teachers could chat and exchange knowledge and information both inside and outside of the classrooms and it seems incredible to me just how much I've learned in such short a time.

The ceramics studio was amazing, with all the facilities and equipment you could ever wish for.

The entire campus is amazing, a hub of non-stop creativity. Everywhere you look you can find some other little thing to capture your imagination and inspire you, it really is a magical place!

I return home feeling refreshed, recharged and re-energized by the whole experience and can't wait for the opportunity to pass on the knowledge I acquired to my students as well as apply it to my own work.

The friendships and connections I made with other artists I hope will mean that this transfer of ideas and information will continue outside of Penland for our mutual benefits, and enjoyment!

None of this would have been possible for me without a scholarship and the generosity of AIDA in providing that.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Kyla Talmi