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
Limited open studio time for enrolled students to practice will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted on studio doors. Students may arrive one hour before their given class time and may stay no later than 1 hour following their class time. Students should be respectful to monitors and observe all studio policies and practices. Open studio time is intended for practicing techniques and projects covered in class; production purposes or outside work is not 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 - Summer 2024
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 mid-range 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
Majolica was first introduced to Italy during the 16th century and was heavily influenced by Hispano-Moresque decorated wares of Muslim Spain. Today, Majolica refers to a white, opaque tin-based glaze, composed of frits and tin oxide. Through demonstrations and lectures, students will be introduced to both traditional and non-traditional methods of glaze applications and construction techniques. Handbuilding techniques will be demonstrated and presented; those experienced in wheel throwing can work independently to create pottery forms but will not be demonstrated in class. The pieces will be fired at low temperature in electric kilns using a red earthenware clay body. Prerequisite: Students must have completed one handbuilding class or one wheelthrowing class. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
Together explore creative ways of living with functional sculptural vessels in this mini-course. Basic handbuilding techniques will be taught through coil building and slab construction as you create cups, bowls, and centerpieces that encourage joy in everyday objects with care and consideration to functions. Sources of inspiration will be shared and surface design and decorations will be covered using mid-range clay and glazes. Class tuition includes one 25lb bag of clay per student; see *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
This course will emphasize creating handbuilt outdoor sculpture and planters using groggy clay, handmade draw-tools, and spring decorations. Participants will finish surfaces with slips, underglaze, and raw glazing techniques. Works will undergo a single firing using electric kilns to cone 4, focusing on functionality and aesthetics tailored for garden environments. Prerequisite: Students must have had a minimum experience of two previous clay classes. NOTE: Students must be able to lift 25 lbs and help assist in kiln loading and unloading. Tuition includes 50lbs of specialty sculptural clay; ssee *CERAMICS NOTE.
Course Description
Come explore the possibilities of wearable art—jewelry that is well designed and created with intention. This mixed materials class will lead you through making ceramic pieces that are combined with or set in metal to create pendants, earrings, and other wearable pieces. This weekend workshop will lead you through handbuilding techniques for forming porcelain clay components, coloring clay with the addition of stains, surface design techniques, and glazing. With the addition of findings, you’ll create fully assemble sets during the last class. Each student will receive a small amount of porcelain as well as colorant and glaze materials and nichrome wire and earring findings.
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