Ceramics
The Cermaics program serves nearly 500 adult students each year in a positive, creative, community atmosphere. The ceramics program offers classes on hand-building, wheel-throwing, raku, glazing, digital embellishments and much more. Students also have the opportunity to participate and learn from visiting artists during workshops that are offered frequently throughout the year.
Course Requirements
Students registering for ceramic classes should be physically capable of lifting up to 25 lbs. Intermediate and advanced students will be required to spend time outside of the scheduled class period to load, fire, and unload kilns (under appropriate supervision). Currently, students registered for an in-person studio ceramic class will only be allowed practice time on the same day their class is scheduled on. Open studio hours will not be available at this time. Students registered for online classes will have assigned times to drop-off and pick-up work from firing as well as for in studio glazing.
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
Ceramic Class Notes
Tuition now includes one 25lb bag of clay for each student registered. Students should be able to lift 25lbs of clay. Tuition also covers shop glazes, and some underglazes as well as kiln firing; however, students should anticipate fees for purchasing additional clay, specialty underglazes, and tools unless otherwise noted. Additional 25lb bags of clay and introductory tool kits are must be purchased online; show your receipt to the instructor to receive your purchase. Clay and materials may also be purchased locally at retail stores.
Open Studio Hours
Open Studio Hours: Enrolled ceramic students will be allowed limited open studio access—one (1) hour prior to the start of their class and 1 ½ hours immediately following the end of their class. Limited open studio time for students to practice will be determined at the beginning of the session; times will be discussed in each class and posted on studio doors. Open studio time is intended for practicing techniques and projects covered in class; no outside work is allowed.
Registration Information
Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.
- Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process.
- Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
- To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
- Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
- After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.
Ceramics Classes - Fall 2023
Course Description
This class will focus on the basic skills of wheel throwing—centering, opening, and pulling clay into shape—followed by learning to form bowls, cylinders, and cups. Students will also learn to evaluate form and how form serves a vessel’s function. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
Fundamental handbuilding skills and techniques will be covered including pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction with a focus on fun, artful, and utilitarian forms as well as surface techniques to add decorative elements to make the work truly one-of-a-kind. The class will learn how to work with low-fire terracotta clay and glazes for the purpose of handbuilding. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
Expand and refine your throwing skills through the forming of bowls, cups, lids, pitchers, and the assemblage of two-part forms. Presentations and discussions will cover how to integrate form with function. This class will use high-fire Balcones clay and gas-fired reduction glazes. Prerequisite: Students should have completed at least two introductory to wheelthrowing courses. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
Lids for ceramic pots vary in type based on the functionality of the form. Explore the various types of lids, lid and flange forming methods, best style to throw for the form, and how to create a well fitted lid. Demonstrations, accompanied by discussion, will guide students. Each student will focus on a series of pots as they move through a variety of containers or pouring vessels. This class will use high-fire Balcones clay and gas-fired reduction glazes. Prerequisite: Students should have completed at least two introductory to wheelthrowing courses. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
This class will focus on ways to make works of clay that enhance, interact with, and pay homage to the wonder and beauty of trees. Music, motion, shadow play, and other interactions with wind and light will be integral to the pieces created. Students may work either individually or in pairs on projects. Planning and developing the process in detail for the construction, assembling, and display of the work will be crucial. It is expected that the works created will be intended to exist within or under the canopy of a tree. Prerequisite: Students must have had a minimum experience of one prior intermediate handbuilding course. Work can be fired mid-range to high-fire. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE. Students may need to purchase their own underglazes, glazes, or alternative finish materials.
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