One of the greatest obstacles in any creative practice is the fear of failure. We all strive to be perceived as skilled and competent, yet as any scientist knows, discovery depends on experimentation, and not every experiment succeeds. The creative process is no different. Sometimes the “wrong” path leads to an unexpected direction or reveals precisely what is needed to move forward. Often, the most egregious mistakes become the most valuable breakthroughs.

This course invites participants to “fail up.” Through readings, discussions, and experimental exercises, we will explore how to reframe failure as an essential part of creative growth. The class meets biweekly, allowing time for reflection and experimentation between sessions. Participants will also have access to a digital classroom for sharing works in progress, exchanging feedback, and posing questions.

Anne Eder, who has developed this pedagogical approach in her teaching at Princeton and Harvard Universities, brings extensive experience in guiding artists to embrace missteps and transform them into opportunities for innovation.

Class Details

Dates: Five biweekly sessions will be held on Mondays: January 5 and 19, February 2 and 16, and March 2, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET

Format: Online, over Zoom

Participants: Limited to 10 

Course Fee: $525 (members) / $595 (non-members).

Register Early & Save! Sign up by November 5, 2025, and get 10% off your registration.
Just enter coupon code WINTER2026 at checkout to save!

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

About the Instructor

Anne Eder is an interdisciplinary artist and in-demand educator. She has been internationally exhibited, awarded, and published, including multiple international awards in alternative process photography. She is a lecturer in the Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University, instructor in the Harvard Ceramics Program, Harvard University, faculty at Penumbra Foundation in NYC, Santa Fe Workshops, and the Griffin Museum of Photography. She teaches at venues across the country and, via online learning, all over the world. Much of her work is experimental and research based, combining historic processes, science, and contemporary conceptual thinking.

Throughout her career she has been an advocate for increased access to the arts, and the creation of public art is a dedicated part of her practice. She lives in New England with the ghost of her fabulous chihuahua, The Brain. 

www.anneeder.com
Instagram: @darcflower