Get a handle on making handles in this morning workshop. Learn multiple ways to create balanced and elegant handles for mugs, whether you make your mugs on the wheel or hand build them. 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, placement and refinement can enhance your piece. This class is not appropriate for total beginners and students should have taken at least 2-3 ceramic classes previously.

(In the event that BAC has to cancel a class session due to weather or facility emergencies, please note a suitable makeup date will be selected by polling students for a majority vote. More information on our policies for cancellations can be found HERE.)

CLASS MATERIALS

BAC will provide white (95400) clay; however, students are welcome to bring their own clay if they have it from another BAC class or from participation in Open Studio. Participants should bring at least 3 leather hard handless mugs (cylinders) on which to practice attaching handles. Please bring along your favorite mug to drink out of as well as a mug whose handle you do not find pleasing to help us think about what does and doesn't make a good mug handle.

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

• Have taken at least one season (approx. two, 6-week sessions) 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) of 1 lb. 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.

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) of 2-3 lbs. 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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