Get a handle on making handles in this 2 day workshop. Learn multiple ways to create balanced and elegant handles for mugs, jars, trays and other vessels. We'll explore how to create a smooth transition from handle to pot, refine the handle shape and methods to make a secure attachment. Learn how thoughtful handle design and execution can enhance your piece. Students should each bring 6 leather hard pieces to work on including at least 3 handleless mugs. Other pieces can be lidded vessels, trays, pitchers or anything else that needs a handle.

(In the event that BAC has to cancel a class session due to weather or facility emergencies, please note the pre-scheduled make up date will be Saturday, July 20. More information on our policies for cancellations can be found HERE.)

CLASS MATERIALS

Students should each bring 6 leather hard pieces to work on including at least 3 handleless mugs. Other pieces can be lidded vessels, trays, pitchers or anything else that needs a handle. No clay purchase necessary.

ACCESSIBILITY

NOTE: This class will be held in Berkshire Art Center’s Ceramics Studio at Citizens’ Hall, Stockbridge. Our Ceramics Studio is located on the basement level of the building so stair use is required. In addition, restrooms are located on the basement level of our building so stair use is also required.

For all classes held at Citizens’ Hall in Stockbridge, please note our historic building has narrow doorways and is not equipped with an elevator. Our bathrooms, ceramics studio, and 3D studio are accessible via stairs only. We welcome and make every effort to accommodate learners of all styles and abilities. Please contact us if you have questions about accessibility to our building and classes before registering!

BEGINNER (All classes are appropriate for beginners unless otherwise specified in the title)

• New to clay with little to no experience working with clay as an artistic medium, or have taken a few classes but want a refresher/practice reinforcing basic skills.

• Little to no knowledge of wheel throwing or trimming.

• Little to no experience with sculptural techniques such as coiling, slab work or pinching.

• Little to no knowledge of the basics of glaze application.

• Little to no knowledge of different types of kiln temperatures/atmospheres.

INTERMEDIATE:

• Have taken at least one year of ceramic classes and want to continue building skills.

• Ability to wedge clay.

• Familiar with the terms: greenware, leather/cheese hard, and bone dry clay.

• For Wheel Throwing: Ability to center on a potter’s wheel and throw and trim basic forms (cylinders, bowls) unaided.

• For Handbuilding: Ability to roll a slab unaided and build basic forms using the techniques of pinching, slabs, or coils.

• Knowledge and some experience with glaze application and basic understanding of different kiln temperatures and atmospheres.

ADVANCED:

• (all of the above)

• Have 3 plus years of ceramic class experience.

• Able to create a body of work with either the potter’s wheel or using sculptural/handbuilding techniques.

• Working knowledge of glaze application, surface decoration, and familiarity with different kiln atmospheres and cone temperatures.

• Confident and experienced in glaze application and identifying different types of glaze.

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