Curiosity, a Hunger

Workshop with Michael Ackerman

Overview

This workshop is designed for artists at all levels who are interested in working with photography in a personal way.

*BONUS: This workshop takes place in tandem with both Pia Paulina Guilmoth’s and Brad Zellar’s workshops. Attendees of all workshops will have time to mingle and get to know each during evening hangouts!

  • Portland Maine is a historic seacoast town with a funky vibe, working waterfront, and large art scene. Maine’s largest city (but still quaint by most standards) boasts plenty of art, food, and outdoor activities.

  • Schedule: Meets in Portland, Maine on Monday September 14-Friday September 18 from 10am to 6pm (hours subject to change).

  • Previous Attendees: $2500

    Flights, local transportation, accommodations and meals are not included in the tuition fees.

    DEPOSITS

    Selected applicants must confirm their participation by sending either a 50% tuition deposit or full tuition payments.

Limited to 12 participants.

This five-day workshop with Michael Ackerman is open to anyone using photography in a personal way, regardless of experience. The focus is on exploring your relationship to the world through images shaped by your interests, emotions, and obsessions.

Ackerman will share his own work—finished and in progress—alongside the artists, writers, and musicians who have influenced his vision. Through group critiques and one-on-one conversations, each participant’s work is approached as uniquely individual, with guidance tailored to its direction and meaning.

Daily shooting assignments throughout Portland, Maine form a core part of the workshop. Participants will respond to the city’s streets, inhabitants, interiors, and shifting atmospheres, using them as a space for experimentation and discovery.

The workshop is collaborative, emphasizing openness, dialogue, and risk. Participants are encouraged to push beyond limitations and develop a more honest, personal voice—leaving with a stronger, more deeply realized body of work.

This workshop takes place in partnership with Mechanics’ Hall, a historic and communal gathering space with a lending library at its heart.

ABOUT Michael Ackerman

Michael Ackerman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1967. At the age of 7 his family emigrated to New York City, where he grew up and began photographing at the age of 18. He has exhibited internationally and published 5 books, including End Time City, by Robert Delpire, which won the Prix Nadar, 1999. His work is in the permanent collection of The Museum of Photography, Berlin, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, The Brooklyn Museum, The Virginia Museum, The Biliothèque National, France among others, as well as in many private collections.

He currently lives in Berlin and is represented by Galerie Camera Obscura, Paris, Box Galerie, Bruxelles, Spot Home Gallery, Napoli, MC2 Gallery, Milan, Galeria Adorna, Porto.

Details

  • Coming soon…

  • Application deadline: July 19, 2026.

    Applications are reviewed and invitations sent between July 20-23.

    There is no fee to apply, and applications are open to photographers of all educational backgrounds and career stages. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants. To be considered, applicants must submit a portfolio of 20–30 images focused on past and/or ongoing work, limited to no more than two distinct series or projects.

    If you are a previous attendee or a Chico alumni, there is no need to reapply—please simply email us at info@charcoalworkshops.com.

  • REGULAR TUITION: $2600 USD
    PAST ATTENDEE TUITION: $2500 USD

    A 50% deposit (or full tuition payment) is required upon acceptance to confirm your participation. The remaining balance will be due in full 30 days before the start of workshop.

    Payment plans are available upon request. Please contact us at info@charcoalworkshops.com.

    Please Note: Flight expenses, local transportation, accommodations, and meals are not included in the tuition or registration fees.

  • Upon confirmation, a comprehensive information packet will be provided to attendees which will assist in coordinating their stay in Portland. This packet will include details on accommodation options, transportation instructions, restaurant recommendations, available amenities, and general travel tips.

    We have partnered with The Longfellow Hotel to offer our attendees an exclusive 10% discount + complimentary upgrade (if available) on check-in. Discounts and rooms are first come, first served.

    Please note: flight expenses, local transportation, accommodations, and meals are not included in the tuition or registration fees.

  • The deadline to withdraw from the workshop and request a refund is 90 days prior to the start date. A cancellation fee of $600 USD will apply. Refund requests submitted after this 90-day period will not be considered.

    In the event that the program does not meet minimum enrollment or is canceled for any reason, paid tuition will be credited toward a future workshop or one scheduled at the same time as the original program.

  • For all questions, please contact us at info@charcoalworkshops.com

Application