Mondays, 9am-noon | 9/13-11/15 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
Make beautiful functional, decorative or sculptural vessels with an attention to subtle details and refinements. We’ll work on developing strong forms to start, and experiment with additions (feet, knobs, handles) to see how all the parts affect the whole. Finally we’ll incorporate rich colors, exciting patterns and textures, and a wide range of surface techniques. With weekly demonstrations, exercises, and discussions, this lively class will be the springboard to move forward with your work. This class is for students with some previous hand-building experience.
Mondays, 7-10pm | 9/13-11/15 | $290-register before August 16$ | $310-register on or after August 16
Make your own festive and colorful dinnerware, a special one-of-a-kind table centerpiece, or covered boxes for gift giving. Demonstrations will include slab-building, coil techniques, drop and press molds, and alternative forming methods, and altering techniques. You will get a thorough introduction to the wide spectrum of the low-fire underglaze and glaze palette, as well as the enhancing tones of slips and stains. All levels of students are welcomed in this relaxed and friendly class.
Tuesdays, 10am-1pm | 9/14-11/16 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
In this all-levels class, the beginning students will have a chance to get the basics under their belts. The more seasoned students will have opportunities to explore new altering techniques and surface options. Roll up your sleeves and hone your skills, all under the expert eye of a fine teacher. The autumn focus will be on multiples and sets.
Tuesdays, 7-10pm | 9/14-11/16 | $390-register before August 16 | $410-register on or after August 16
(Includes all clay, model fees, and one bisque firing. Other firings are negotiable.)
We’ll work from one model, one pose, life-size for 9 weeks! This will only be a partial figure from the lower ribs up. The kicker will be that the model will be in a very animated gesture with a pronounced expression including arms and hands so it will be akin to almost sculpting a half figure. You will have a choice as to leaving the figure free standing, or cut it so that it can hang ‘Off the Wall’. It will be ambitious, challenging and FUN! It if seems too crazy, students can work in a smaller scale. All skill levels are welcome.
Tuesdays, 7-10pm | 9/14-11/16 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
Learn wheelthrowing essentials in this thorough and engaging class. Nothing beats a solid grounding in the fundamentals of wedging, centering, opening, pulling, shaping, altering, trimming, and glazing. If you’ve always wanted to throw pots on the wheel (or maybe you did it a million years ago in school), this is the chance you’ve been waiting for!
Wednesdays, 10am-1pm | 9/15-11/17 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
Express your creative vision in clay, from hand-built pottery to organic sculptural forms. Students new to clay will be taught basic construction methods, while returning students are given one on one coaching to further evolve and develop their individual projects. Tap into Beth’s extensive knowledge of many glaze and surface options to finish your work. This friendly group is always open to newcomers who want a supportive and engaging clay experience.
Wednesdays, 7pm-10pm | 9/15-11/17 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
Japanese pottery traditions provide a deep taproot for many potters. Whatever your skill level, you will learn new approaches to clay which stress sound wheel basics, hand building, and decorating techniques with an Asian bent. Learn how to personalize your work with local materials, and take advantage of Rob’s many resources and examples that he gleaned from living and working over seven years in Japan.
Thursdays, 10am-1pm | 9/16-11/18 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
The versatility of clay as an art medium makes it an ideal material for exploration. In this seminar style class we’ll examine how some basic building techniques (coil, slab, molds, etc.), and surface techniques (carving, stenciling, oxide washes, etc.) can help you hone your ideas. Starting with demonstrations, we’ll see how composition, gesture and surface can work together to make your work POP. We’ll look at how other artists approach their questions and encourage healthy dialogue. All skill levels welcome!
Saturdays, 10am-1pm | 9/18-11/20 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
Ever wondered why some people’s pots just sing? The proportions of the pot just seem to work together to make a satisfying form. The weight of the pot is perfect for its function. The handles fit your hand like a glove. We’ll use lots of pots from our bisque collection as examples, and we’ll mine exercises from Clary Illian’s, ‘A Potters Workbook’ to explore these ideas as well as other questions you bring to the class. You should have had at least one throwing class before taking this class. Students should consider buying Clary’s book for this class, as exercises will be drawn from her excellent workbook. This class will have three sessions with guest specialists.
Saturdays, 10am-1pm | 9/18-11/20 | $290-register before August 16 | $310-register on or after August 16
Animals have gestures which we respond to, and sometimes even give great meaning to. We’re going to explore a few gesture exercises early in the session, in preparation for our main projects. Special emphasis will be given to decoration of the creatures we make, using a full palette of underglazes, glazes and cold finishes. This quarter we’ll work at a diminished scale and try to achieve delicate yet potent embellishments that give accents to our figures. This inclusive and lively class is open to students of all abilities.