Charcoal Studio Practice

with Jesse Lenz

  • Our Studio Practice program takes place in Wooster at Charcoal HQ and lead by founder / director Jesse Lenz. Located in the heart of Amish County, Wooster is a beautiful and unpretentious agricultural community. Located approximately 50 miles from Cleveland and 95 miles from Columbus. This ididlic midwestern city is known for its simplicity, beauty, and charm.

  • Schedule: Meets at Charcoal Studio at 10am Wednesday 17 - 5pm Saturday, June 20th.

  • Early Bird $1500
    Previous Attendees: $1400

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

    DEPOSITS

    Selected applicants must confirm their participation by sending either a 50% tuition deposit. Early Bird pricing only applies to full tuition payments.

Limited to 8 participants.

This retreat takes place at Charcoal HQ located in Wooster, Ohio, the heart of Amish County.

Charcoal is pleased to announce the Charcoal Studio Practice, a four day photographic intensive at our home studio in Wooster, Ohio.

Whether you're starting a new body of work, deep in the middle of a long term project, or looking towards publication, this intensive is designed to offer creative insight and practical solutions on how best to best move forward with your work.

Over a long weekend we’ll talk process, what makes a body of work meaningful, and how and when to pursue publication. Attendees will receive personalized, long-form critiques, artist and publisher lectures, and in-depth Q&A sessions in Jesse Lenz's studio, home of Charcoal. Jesse’s extensive personal library of over 1000 titles, including both modern and rare works, will be accessible throughout the workshop, offering opportunities for in-depth research and inspiration. In this intimate environment, attendees can expect unfiltered discussions aimed at demystifying the creation and publication of photographic artwork in a modern world.

This Studio Practice intensive offers:

  • Guidance on technical, theoretical, and aesthetic issues

  • Development of concepts and motifs

  • Editing and sequencing

  • Workflow and process discussions

  • Suggestions on how, when, and where to pursue publishing

Overview

This studio practice intensive is open to serious photographic artists at all stages of their career.

ABOUT JESSE LENZ

Jesse Lenz (1988, Montana) is a self-taught photographer and multidisciplinary artist. Jesse has released two monographs The Locusts (Charcoal Press, 2020) and The Seraphim (Charcoal Press, 2023). He is the founder and director of Charcoal Book Club, Charcoal Press, Charcoal Editions, Charcoal Workshops and the Chico Review. From 2011-2018 he also co-founded and published The Collective Quarterly and The Coyote Journal. He lives on a farm in rural Ohio.

Details

  • Each day will begin with morning lectures followed by Q&A. Break for Lunch, then intensive critiques in a group setting.

    Meets in-person at Charcoal HQ in Wooster Ohio on June 17 - June 20, 2026 from 10 am to 5pm (subject to change).

  • There is no fee to apply, and applications are open to photographers of all educational backgrounds and career stages. Enrollment is limited to 11 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.


    Please note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with regular email updates provided throughout the process. The full review and acceptance timeline typically takes 8–12 days from the date of submission. We encourage early applications to increase the likelihood of selection.

  • EARLY BIRD: $500 USD
    [Deadline: Sunday April 29, 2026]

    PAST ATTENDEE: $1400 USD
    [Deadline: Sunday May 3, 2026]

    REGULAR: $1600 USD
    [Deadline: Sunday May 17, 2026]

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

  • A 50% deposit (or full tuition payment) is required upon acceptance to confirm your participation. The remaining balance will be due in full by September 1, 2025. Early Bird pricing is available only to those who pay in full before the specified deadline.

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

    Please note: payments made through the payment plan are non-refundable.

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

    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 any questions or inquiries, please contact us at info@charcoalworkshops.com

Application