A 5 week session that allows the artists to design, form, and complete a hand-building project using slab, coil, or pinch construction. Surface and glazing techniques will be explored and designed to complement their project. Clay handbuilding techniques allow for true freedom of form. Captivating asymmetry and unique sculptural aesthetic can be achieved using techniques like slab rolling, pinching, and coil building. We will learn and practice the skills needed to create functional and sculptural vessels, finishing with carved patterns, attached elements, underglazes, and glazes to decorate our handbuilt pieces. Students will walk away with unique ceramic art. All work will be fired and ready for pick up in the Kimball Art Center lobby 7-14 days after your class. We do not ship class work. If artwork is not picked up after 60 days it will be recycled. *Since artwork may look different after firing, make your pottery or sculpture recognizable by carving a signature into your piece.
Clay- Handbuilding
Youth Clay Handbuilding & Wheel Throwing Fall Session 1
Get ready to get your hands dirty in Youth Clay! In this hands-on 4-week clay class, young artists will learn the basics of pottery and wheel throwing. They’ll discover how to shape clay, create bowls, cups, and other fun pieces on the pottery wheel, all while exploring their creativity and learning new skills. Perfect for kids who love getting crafty and want to try something new with clay! Kids Ages 8+ only.
Note on firing: All work will be fired and ready for pick up in the Kimball Art Center 7-14 days after your class. We do not ship class work. If artwork is not picked up after 60 days it will be recycled. *Since artwork may look different after firing, make your pottery or sculpture recognizable by carving a signature into your piece.
Sculpting the Face: Exploration and Observation
Join us for a fun and in-depth exploration of portrait sculpting in clay!
Students will learn about proportion, shape, line, and texture, while also relying heavily on observation to create a 1:1 scale self-portrait. This workshop is great for students wanting to expand their clay skills or 2D artists who want to explore 3D anatomical understanding of the face. Emphasis will be placed on sculpting a likeness, as well as incorporating illusionistic elements to make our sculptures seem more alive. At the conclusion of this workshop, students will learn how to prep their sculptures for firing, and have the option to glaze them. Additionally, we will discuss various alternative finishing techniques. All work will be fired and ready for pick up in the Kimball Art Center lobby 7-14 days after your class. We do not ship class work. If artwork is not picked up after 60 days it will be recycled. *Since artwork may look different after firing, make your pottery or sculpture recognizable by carving a signature into your piece.
Lidded Pieces (2 Day) Workshop
Students will enjoy two intensive days learning all tips and tricks related to making lidded vessels. Join us as we simplify this very complicated aspect of the process. We will begin with a deep dive into the world of lidded vessels, various methods, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Students will be introduced to upwards of 5 lidded techniques—single-piece to lidded vessel; honey-pot style lid; trick lids; Gallery lids; and cusp lids. Students will learn methods for vessels such as honey jars, bread bakers, urns, teapots, and butter dishes/salt cellars. The two day workshops will allow students to pick a focus, and have ample time to get a sense for the drying times necessary for proper lid trimming and fit. Requirements: Students will benefit most from this class if they have basic wheel-throwing skills. One or two wheel-throwing courses previous to the start of this workshop is advised. Beginner/intermediate to Advanced skills recommended.
Handbuilding in Clay Session 3
A 5 week session that allows the artists to design, form, and complete a hand-building project using slab, coil, or pinch construction. Surface and glazing techniques will be explored and designed to complement their project. Clay handbuilding techniques allow for true freedom of form. Captivating asymmetry and unique sculptural aesthetic can be achieved using techniques like slab rolling, pinching, and coil building. We will learn and practice the skills needed to create functional and sculptural vessels, finishing with carved patterns, attached elements, underglazes, and glazes to decorate our handbuilt pieces. Students will walk away with unique ceramic art. All work will be fired and ready for pick up in the Kimball Art Center lobby 7-14 days after your class. We do not ship class work. If artwork is not picked up after 60 days it will be recycled. *Since artwork may look different after firing, make your pottery or sculpture recognizable by carving a signature into your piece.
Handbuilding in Clay Session 1
A 5 week session that allows the artists to design, form, and complete a hand-building project using slab, coil, or pinch construction. Surface and glazing techniques will be explored and designed to complement their project. Clay handbuilding techniques allow for true freedom of form. Captivating asymmetry and unique sculptural aesthetic can be achieved using techniques like slab rolling, pinching, and coil building. We will learn and practice the skills needed to create functional and sculptural vessels, finishing with carved patterns, attached elements, underglazes, and glazes to decorate our handbuilt pieces. Students will walk away with unique ceramic art. All work will be fired and ready for pick up in the Kimball Art Center lobby 7-14 days after your class. We do not ship class work. If artwork is not picked up after 60 days it will be recycled. *Since artwork may look different after firing, make your pottery or sculpture recognizable by carving a signature into your piece.
