(No Class: 4/30 and 5/28)

Humans were creating objects of use and beauty from clay 20,000 years ago! The coil pot, with its methodical rhythm of building both symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, lends us endless possibilities. Learn to create thin walled coil pots in the ancient tradition of Mata Ortiz. Combing traditional techniques with contemporary design, we will explore nuances of form and surface. This class is designed for those who are brand new to clay as well as those who want to refresh their knowledge of basic coiling techniques and begin to create larger of forms. Colored slips and the use of Terra sigillata will be explored.

(In the event that BAC has to cancel a class session due to weather or facility emergencies, please note the pre-scheduled makeup date for this course will be Tuesday, June 18. More information on our policies for cancellations can be found HERE.)

CLASS MATERIALS

Students registering for this class must purchase the Ceramics Class Materials Fee including clay, glazing, and firing. If you have leftover clay purchased from BAC in the last year, the clay purchase requirement can be waived. Per the instructor's recommendation, students registering for this class should purchase the “95400 White Clay” option.

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.

ADVANCED BEGINNER

• Must have 6 months of wheel throwing experience and the ability to throw a 1 lb cylinder.

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.

Become a BAC Member!

As a member you will receive exclusive benefits, stay up-to-date on upcoming programming and events, and join our creative community!

Don't let the price of tuition stop you from making art!

Berkshire Art Center provides scholarships based on financial need, discounts to EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, and opportunities for work exchange.

Contribute to The Artful Future Fund!

Further engage with BAC’s mission. Support BAC’s artists, students, and studios by making a donation.