Today we continue our series on student loans with a conversation featuring Cammi Climaco and Jen Mecca. They share their experience with long-term management of loan payments, the effect loans have on family relationships, and student loan forgiveness. Cammi is a NYC based artist and podcast host of The Ceramics Companion. Jen is an artist and educator based in Gastonia, NC. www.cammiclimaco.com www.jenmeccapottery.com

Like many of you I’ve watched horrific scenes of floods across the South Eastern U.S., including devastation in one of our richest pottery regions Western North Carolina. I want to send my well wishes to those affected by the storm and encourage you the listener to support relief efforts for artists. There’s a Go Fund Me site set up for Melissa Weiss, who lost her studio in Asheville, and the organization CERF+ is already organizing relief for those affected. You can find out more and donate at www.cerfplus.org. As the waters recede and more information becomes available, I’ll report more on how you can support the community over the next few months.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com

Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com

Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org

After years of talking with people about their education, I thought it was time to address student loans head on. Today I talk with Betsy Mayotte, who over the past three decades has worked with hundreds of borrowers in her role as president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors. In our interview we talk about the factors driving up the cost of education, how a student progresses through a loan cycle, loan forgiveness options, and healthy habits for financial literacy. We also talk about the upcoming September 30th deadline for the Fresh Start program, a new initiative to help borrowers get out of default. You can find out more about TISLA, and receive free information at freestudentloanadvice.org.

Celia Feldberg decorates her pots with vibrant sgraffito drawings of animals in human situations. With a light-hearted touch she talks about relationship dynamics and highlights the small beauty in every day life. In our interview we talk about refining her drawing style on clay, depicting love in all its forms, and being a resident artist at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. www.celiafeldberg.com

We also discuss the research she conducted for my book The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors. She was my assistant and a valuable sounding board as I was writing the book. It was wonderful to share the success and struggle of the project with such a talented artist.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

Michiana Pottery Tour www.michianapotterytour.com

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com

Cornell Studio Supply www.cornellstudiosupply.com

Archie Bray Residencies www.archiebray.org