In addition to being a renowned artist, Max Hendry is a preeminent educator travelling the country as a much sought after master teacher in the arts. Best known for transforming raw, natural elements into functional and fantastical masterpieces that honor the earth as much as the craft, Max employs an organic intuitive approach to his teaching, as well as his artwork. His practice is rooted in a philosophy of “art from the ground up” prioritizing the use of ecologically harvested and renewable materials. He has spent decades exploring the intersection of fine art and heritage handcraft, blending rigorous traditional techniques with a contemporary aesthetic, focussing in the mediums of broom making and basketry. Max is a dedicated teacher, committed to passing along these time honored traditions to future generations and generously sharing his wisdom and knowledge with all his students.
As the Director of Mountain Heritage Handcraft Studios in the North Georgia mountains, Max serves as a steward of traditional arts. His influence as an educator extends across the country’s most prestigious craft institutions, where he is a recurring instructor at John C. Campbell Folk School and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, as well as being a featured member of the prestigious Southern Highland Craft Guild.
With an international teaching background spanning private, public, and magnet school systems, Max possesses the rare ability to translate complex fine and performing arts concepts for students of all ages and skill levels.
Consultancy & Mentorship
Beyond the studio, Max is a sought-after mentor and professional consultant. He specializes in empowering other educators and industry professionals to elevate their instructional impact. His consultancy focuses on:
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Pedagogical Innovation: Adopting diverse modalities to optimize student learning.
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Intentional Communication: Prioritizing clarity and empathy to foster better interactions within teams and classrooms.
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Relational Dynamics: Strategies for maximizing the potential of every student-teacher and peer-to-peer engagement.
“Max doesn’t just teach a craft; he teaches the intention behind the maker, ensuring that both the art and the artist thrive.”