Mugs appear illusively easy to make, but between weight, shape, rim, texture, handles, and feet, there is a lot of room for exploration. As a class, we will work through mug-making, starting with wheel-throwing fundamentals, and progressing by everyone's needs. We will discuss and practice throwing different shapes with a mind on enhancing function. From there, we will experiment with a variety of handles and feet, also paying mind to texture and surfaces throughout the process.

(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, April 9. 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. Students registering for this class can purchase any clay type of their choice, but the instructor does recommend Reclaimed Clay so students don't get too attached to their pieces.

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.

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

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