SVAC is thrilled to announce this incredible opportunity to work with instructor Bill Muench. Bill has generously donated his time to SVAC allowing us to offer this class at no charge. There are three PARTS to this “class.” You may participate in as many PARTS as you would like. Take it from us…you will want to do them all!

PART I – Screening (in your home)
May 1 – May 8: The Artist and the Astronaut
Any time during this week, Bill’s film will be available. Watch a “rough cut” of his nearly finished documentary, The Artist and the Astronaut. Three years in the making, The Artist and the Astronaut explores the extraordinary careers and personal history of nationally known artist Pat Musick and NASA Skylab Commander Jerry Carr, now residents of Manchester, VT.

PART II – Conversation: Q&A with Bill and the Artist and the Astronaut
May 8 at 7 p.m.
Bill and the subjects of his film, Pat and Jerry, host a Zoom meeting together. Join them! Questions are welcome on any aspect of the documentary. Find out about Bill’s technical and artistic decisions; ask Pat and Jerry more about their experiences in life and with the film. Historian Paul Muench will also be joining the conversation.

PART III – Filmmaking Class – PART III is currently full, but we are happy to take your name for a waiting list in case spaces open up. Please call or email Erin at ekaufman@svac.org or 802.681.3806.
May 11 – May 30
Make your own short documentary film using a cell phone and the basic software your device already has (though you may not know it). Begin with an introductory group class on Zoom on May 11 at 2 p.m. After that, meet with Bill over Zoom to follow up, one-on-one, at your mutual convenience. Bill teaches interviewing techniques to help you end up with footage that is valuable to you. He also guides the editing process. Record people you care about. They can be in your house or anywhere else with an internet connection. Choose to work on a chronicle of quarantine, a family history, or another topic of your choosing. Whether you’ve always hoped to learn about filmmaking, or you just want to make some meaning out of the current madness, don’t miss this special opportunity.

You will have the option to share your completed stories – of family, quarantine, or whatever you choose – on SVAC’s YouTube channel.

After you register you will receive links to the film and the Zoom sessions. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Kaufman at ekaufman@svac.org or 802-362-1405.

Burr and Burton cinematography program director Bill Muench moonlights as an astronomer, basketball coach, English teacher and frontman for the Don’t Leave Band–among other activities. Literally beloved by thousands, Bill is known for his generosity, energy and unstoppable spirit. SVAC thanks him so much for the gift of this program.

Pat Musick first knew she wanted to be an artist when she was four years old. Since then, she has worked in a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional media. Her sculptures are in more than 50 public and private collections, all over the United States. SVAC looks forward to hosting an exhibition of Pat’s work in 2021–stay tuned!

Retired Marine Corps Colonel Jerry Carr worked in various capacities with NASA during the Apollo era and beyond, assisting with design of the International Space Station and other projects. He was commander of the final Skylab mission, and spent more than 2000 hours in space. He has received too many awards for us to list.