In this class we will deeply explore the process of making functional pots.  How do we get from that ball of clay to the imagined perfect pasta bowl?  We will discuss and delve into the process of taking an idea to the tangible final product by discovering the proper steps from design through execution.  Through of a process of discussions, demonstrations and making both on and off the wheel, we will turn ideas into real pots!

During this 3 day workshop, participants will make a plaster mold of low relief buttons and found objects that will then be used as “Sprigs”. The button sprigs along with low relief flowers and leaf forms will then be applied to various slab-built forms including- an oval casserole dish, a cup, and a plate form.  Creating visually rich designed functional forms.

June Beginner Potter’s Wheel: Using the potter’s wheel to make functional objects can be a very rewarding experience.  This class will cover the basics of working on the potter’s wheel.  If you have never tried this before, please expect some difficulty in the initial stages.  The focus will be to learn centering and then to pull shapes such as bowls (ex. berry bowls, soup bowls, colander, cereal bowls, etc) and cylinders (ex. Mugs, tumblers, sippers – based on the learning curve).  The second week of class will be trimming and practicing more shapes.  Glazing will take place the final week.  Some experience may be necessary. 

June 4^th, 6^th, 11^th, and 13^th

This one week workshop will allow participants the opportunity to engage deeply with the firing process, exploring their own desire to understand this element of the ceramic process. We will focus on the details and choices to consider when using a soda kiln as a primary tool for finishing your work. Participants will bring bisque ware to be glazed and fired, and will participate in the entire process including loading, firing, and especially unloading of the kiln.

Our ancestors all had stories and secrets; some are passed down through the generations and others are kept hidden forever. Often, it’s the secrets of the heart that are kept under wraps. Let’s create a sculpture that tells a story of those secrets, either current day or past! All skill levels welcome as we create a bust (male or female) in this three day workshop. 

Christmas in July using the Slab Machine - All the basics you need to know about using the slab machine to make a Christmas house or two.  Glaze the 2^nd week of class.

Class Meets:

July 9^th, 11^th, 16^th, and 18^th

If you want to learn how to make all kinds of different serving trays and unique dishes, then this is the class for you!

We will cover a variety of hand building techniques such as slab construction, coiling, pinching, carving and cutting to give you the skills to make any kind of tray that you can dream up.

This class will include both daily demonstrations and hands-on instruction in a fun and supportive environment that will help you unlock your hand building potential.

August - Totems - In this class we will use the slab machine and/or the potter’s wheel to make various shapes that will be stacked together on a metal pole/rebar for either garden art or inside your home.  Students will need to source their own rebar and mounting base/block before class and have it ready on the first day of class.   Various hand building techniques will be demonstrated as well as student created templates and studio forms used to construct shapes.  Students need to bring resource materials for inspiration such as pictures, sketches, etc

Class Meets:

August 6^th, 8^th, 13^th, 15^th, 20^th, and 22^nd

Dive into the world of ceramic surface with this ceramic glaze workshop led by acclaimed ceramic sculptors Thaddeus Erdahl and Beau Raymond. Join this unique experience where creativity meets technique as you explore the magic of glaze, slips, underglazes and the art of layering. Uncover the secrets behind captivating surfaces, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors. Whether you're a seasoned ceramicist or a novice, this workshop promises to elevate your skills and inspire a new level of artistic expression. Surface shouldn’t be an afterthought.  Let’s make it the star of the show!  It’s about layering, carving, sanding and revealing the magic within. In this workshop, we’ll reveal everything you need to know and introduce you to some trade secrets.

In this workshop, we will bring cone 10 bisque ware to decorate, glaze, and load to fire the Bascom's soda kiln, plus we'll make pots too. Soda fired pots tend to be dramatic and brilliant; this workshop is a rare opportunity to experience and learn more about it. We'll cover practical and aesthetic aspects of soda firing including slip and glaze application, prep for and how to load and fire the kiln. During heating up and cooling the kiln, we will explore ways to make more dynamic pots. Working with freshly thrown clay, we'll alter surfaces and forms; squaring, ovaling, fluting, faceting, and improving foundational throwing techniques will be on offer. In learning to fully utilize the effects of flames carrying sodium through a kiln, we'll look at placement in the kiln as well as form and surface treatments, including slips and glazes, that are particularly responsive to the effects of soda firing. Experience throwing on the potters wheel is needed for this class. We’ll engage in lively conversations ranging over our interests, passions, technical questions, developing a personal aesthetic, raw glazing, single firing, firing.