Printer FriendlyCeramics Workshops and Studio Courses 2010
View the workshop and studio course calendar.
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ARTS 203 Ceramics I
January 25-May 5
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-4:50 p.m.
Instructor: Pamela Theis
January 26-May 6
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Instructor: Ann Hobart
August 23-December 8
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-4:50 p.m.
Instructor: Pamela Theis
August 24- December 9
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-3:50 p.m.
Instructor: Ann Hobart
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Undergraduate Tuition: $2,265
A general survey of ceramics in which aesthetic and scientific aspects are taught. Information about clay, clay preparation, glazes, glazing techniques and kiln technology will be presented. The course emphasis is on handbuilding techniques. Intermediate students will learn to apply handbuilding skills to sculptural work.
ARTS 303 Ceramic Wheel
January 25-May 10
Mondays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
June 28-July 10
Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
August 23-December 13
Mondays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Undergraduate Tuition: $2,265
Using the potter’s wheel as a primary tool, the course will include wedging, throwing, shaping, trimming, drying, glazing, firing and composition, and will incorporate information about clay, clay preparation, surface finishing, glazes, glazing techniques and kiln technology. Through a progression of experiences, personal research and practice, the student will demonstrate the ability to create open and vertical forms at the potter’s wheel, understand the basic nature of clay, the techniques necessary for throwing and trimming, and produce finished, glazed pieces for critique.
ARTS 304 Sculpture/Handbuilding
August 26-December 16
Thursdays, 5:30-9:50 p.m.
Instructor: Ann Hobart
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Undergraduate Tuition: $2,265
Prerequisites: ARTS 101 and ARTS 203
Students will combine the construction methods of handbuilding to take a sculptural direction. The course emphasizes acquiring knowledge of methods used for creating with clay, characteristics of clay and glazes, the process of firing and an understanding of ceramic composition for the sculptural form.
ARTS 343 Intermediate Wheel
January 25-May 10
Mondays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
June 28-July 10
Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
August 23-December 13
Mondays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Undergraduate Tuition: $2,265
Prerequisite: ARTS 303
Continued studies in the production of ceramic ware using the potter’s wheel as a primary tool. The course will include an in-depth study of the medium and large bowl forms and lidded forms, the closed form, concentrating on throwing and shaping concepts, rims and necks, trimming and aesthetics, experiences with the pitcher form, the jug and the mug, leather-hard decoration, and closed form glazing and firing concepts.
ARTS 345 Ceramic Sculpture
January 28-May 13
Thursdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Richard Zandler
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Undergraduate Tuition: $2,265
Prerequisite: ARTS 304
Through studio work and correlation of intuitive and intellectual approaches, an emphasis is placed on the understanding and development of aesthetics in the sculptural form. All aspects of slab construction, coil building, modeling and the joining of techniques will be covered with emphasis on form, surface, transitions and terminations. Students will be introduced to sculpting the figure. Considerations for finishing and firing sculptural forms will be covered.
ARTS 500 Handbuilding
August 24-December 16
Thursdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Ann Hobart
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
An in-depth study of materials, skills and procedures relating to a variety of handbuilding techniques in clay. Participants will learn aspects of slab construction, coil building, modeling and joining of techniques with emphasis on form, surface, transitions and terminations in a sculptural direction. Considerations for finishing and firing hand built and sculptural forms will be covered.
ARTS 501 Glaze Application
August 21-22
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition $360
Prerequisite for ARTS 504 and ARTS 521
The Eastern Asian wedged coil technique is one of the most valuable methods for the construction of asymmetrical work. A study of basic and advanced information and techniques for successful glazing of the ceramic form. Lecture, demonstration and hands-on exercises designed to build skills, refine techniques, increase efficiency and solve problems in glazing functional and nonfunctional pottery and ceramic sculpture. Students will learn to analyze the bisque to make appropriate finishing choices and learn techniques that will facilitate the glazing process and discuss procedures to standardize and achieve consistent results.
ARTS 502 East Asian Coil Technique
August 28-29
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition: $360
Prerequisite for ARTS 508
A master potter’s tradition, Eastern coil combines coil technique with wheel concepts providing the greatest wet structural strength for clay sculpture. Lecture, demonstration and hands-on exercises to teach advanced coil making and building, as well as advanced techniques of coil riveting, ribbing, bridging, boating and bracing for large and/or sculptural forms in clay.
ARTS 503 Intensive Wheel
January 25-May 10
Mondays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
June 28-July 10
Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
August 23-December 13
Mondays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Shawn Grove
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
An advanced study of the production of ceramic ware using the potter’s wheel as a primary tool. Through a progression of experiences, personal research and practice, the student will create open and vertical forms at the potter’s wheel, understand the basic nature of clay, the techniques necessary for throwing and trimming, and produce finished glazed pieces for critique. Students completing this course will acquire a knowledge of advanced methods used to create wheel-thrown pottery, the characteristics of clay, the process of firing and an understanding of ceramic composition.
ARTS 504 Ceramic Decoration
July 19-30
Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Michael Holdahl and Ann Hobart
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
A study of a variety of materials and techniques suitable for the enrichment of clay and glaze surfaces including decoration in the forming process; carved, impressed and added decoration; and various methods of using slips, under glaze and over glaze colors. This course is an in-depth, experiential study of the essential quality and appropriateness to the form and firing process, ceramic technology, and three-dimensional design concepts that evoke appropriate, decorative treatments.
ARTS 505 Masters’ Throwing
January 14-17
Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
August 5-10
Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $300
2 credits/Graduate Tuition: $720
Advanced throwing concepts will help the student cognitively understand the essence of clay, the broadest potential of the medium, and learn to respond to the movement and the forces affecting the clay during the throwing process in a synthesis of skill, knowledge and artistic expression. Students will build skills, refine technique and increase efficiency through an exploration of structural strength concepts for wheel-thrown forms, correlation of knowledge of the nature of clay and the forces affecting the movement of the clay on the spinning wheel.
ARTS 506 Masters’ Throwing II
June 17-20
Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $300
2 credits/Graduate Tuition: $720
Prerequisite: ARTS 505
This course concentrates on advanced throwing skills to develop the confidence which frees the student to move toward individual aesthetic expression. It also provides a more in-depth coverage of specific concepts and focuses on individual needs for building skill, efficiency and personal direction.
ARTS 507 Plates and Platters
February 13-14
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition: $350
Prerequisite: ARTS 505
An in-depth study of the throwing and finishing of plates and large platters, including structural strength concepts for low, open forms, methods for centering, a variety of throwing techniques and information on finishing, firing and composition.
ARTS 508 Ceramic Sculpture
January 28-May 13
Thursdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Richard Zandler
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
Applied three-dimensional ceramic design and construction covers a variety of methods of hand-forming with clay to take a sculptural direction. Techniques will include eastern coil, slab construction, modeling the figure, the portrait bust, structural strength concepts for sculpture and firing considerations for sculptural forms.
ARTS 509 Throwing Large Forms
June 21-26
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Kevin Crowe
Workshop Fee: $475
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
The course will focus on the techniques and aesthetic perspective employed to produce large-scale pots. Throwing large allows a more elastic understanding of the relationship between object and the space it occupies. Participants should bring imagination, sound throwing skills, a willingness to explore and a sense of humor.
ARTS 511 Properties of Clay
September 18-19
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Nancy Robbins
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition: $360
Prerequisite: College chemistry or CA2
A study of the properties of clay and clay bodies; testing and correction of body formulae in stoneware and porcelain; and formulation testing and correction of slips, terra sigillata and glaze base for specific clay bodies.
ARTS 512 Eastern and Western Techniques in Trimming
January 23-24
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructors: Kristin Muller and Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition: $360
Prerequisite: ARTS 503 or intermediate level throwing skills
The course will cover the basic and advanced information and techniques for successful trimming of the ceramic form. A combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on exercises will build skills, refine techniques, increase efficiency and solve structural problems.
ARTS 520 Photographing Ceramics
September 11-12
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition: $360
Aesthetic considerations in photographing ceramic art, including composition of the object as it relates to the camera frame will be covered. Students will learn to develop a personal slide library and prepare a portfolio of slides for juried exhibitions, career and graduate applications. Students should come to class with artwork to be photographed, camera and knowledge of its operation.
ARTS 521 Properties of Glaze
November 11-14
Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Nancy Robbins
Workshop Fee: $300
2 credits/Graduate Tuition: $720
Prerequisites: College chemistry or CA2, ARTS 501 and ARTS 511
Study the properties of glazes and the materials used to develop original glazes and adjust existing glazes for stoneware and porcelain. The course will include directed study, research and laboratory testing with selected topics in glaze composition, clay/glaze relationship, color, texture and materials.
ARTS 525 Electric Kiln
January 9-10
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $175
1 credit/Graduate Tuition: $360
An in-depth study of all aspects of modern electric kilns used for ceramics, including design, construction and materials, related supplies and equipment, loading procedures, operation, uploading, routine maintenance, diagnosis of common problems and repair, safety and selection criteria for choosing the appropriate kiln for different applications.
ARTS 530 Kiln Technology
September 22-26
Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Joyce Michaud
Workshop Fee: $300
2 credits/Graduate Tuition: $720
A study in kiln firing and stacking procedures with a concentration on reduction atmosphere firings; notes on types of kilns and basic kiln construction, oxidation firing and kiln maintenance and repair; kiln furniture, heat measuring devices and safety equipment. It is recommended that students have in depth experience with firing electric kilns or take the electric kiln course as a prerequisite. Bring glazed, cone-10 pots by Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. to be loaded into the kiln the next day. The kiln will be loaded and preheated on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Loading will begin at 11 a.m. The firing will begin at 5 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 and continue through the day. Students are required to be present until the kiln reaches temperature and shuts down. Lectures on the history of kilns and kiln technology and firing theory will take place during the cooling all day and Sunday morning. Unloading will take place Sunday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. followed by evaluation of the firing and assessments.
ARTS 531 Wood Firing
November 4-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and as needed for the loading and firing; and
November 10, 5:30 p.m. unloading kiln
Instructor: Shawn Grove
Workshop Fee: $300
2 credits/Graduate Tuition: $720
A study in wood firing with information on loading and stacking procedures, stoking patterns, heat rise and firing theory. Demonstration and understanding of wadding composition and placement, loading, types of woods, stoking patterns and the effects of oxidation/reduction cycles. Information on types of kilns and basic kiln construction, maintenance, kiln furniture, heat measuring devices and safety issues will also be covered. Students should arrive with bisque-fired pots made from cone-10 clay, glazed and ready to load at 9 a.m. Thursday. Students will fire the kiln and should be prepared to sign up for a minimum of two stoking shifts during the 24 hour firing. All work must be glazed and wadded and packed for transportation by the end of the day on Thursday. The unloading will be scheduled two days after the end of the firing, usually Tuesday evening.
ARTS 532 Multichambered Kiln Wood Firing
(at Tye River Pottery, Amherst, Va.)
May 1 (loading), 8 (firing), and 15 (unloading)
Saturdays, 9 a.m.
Instructor: Kevin Crowe
Workshop Fee: $300
2 credits/Graduate Tuition: $720
A study in theory, technique and aesthetics of wood firing with a multi-chambered kiln. Course contains in-depth information covering all aspects of firing the kiln and practical experience at each stage of the process. Lectures and demonstrations will include the characteristics of work for the wood kiln, slip and glazing techniques, loading and stacking procedures, wadding composition and placement on pots, tumble stacking and shelf setting, types of wood, stoking of kiln chambers, analysis of stoking patterns, draft controls and characteristics of combustion cycles. Analysis of the firing will occur during the unloading. Information about types of kilns and basic kiln construction, maintenance, kiln furniture, heat measuring devices and safety issues will also be covered. Students will observe the process.
ARTS 540 Clay and Glaze Chemistry, Theory and Practice
January 30; February 6, 20; March 6, 27; April 17; and May 1
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Pamela Theis
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
Prerequisite: ARTS 521
Directed study, research and laboratory testing in clay and glaze composition, correction of body formulae, slips, terra sigliatta and glaze base to achieve the properties desired by the studio potter.
ARTS 545 Composite Sculpture
June 5-6 and 12-13; and July 12-15
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Catherine White
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
Directed study in design, construction and finishing of large-scale ceramics with emphasis on choice of materials, space and equipment limitations and specific engineering requirements for construction, shrinkage, drying and firing. Topics will include construction methods for slab, coil, composite, mural and architectural projects.
ARTS 547 Porcelain
August 25-December 15
Wednesdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Faculty
Workshop Fee: $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $1,080
An in-depth study of the characteristics and techniques for working with porcelain, including exploration of classical porcelain, low open forms, plates and platters, horizontal throwing and advanced glazing procedures.
ARTS 575 Ceramic Art Tour of China
June 12-July 2
Instructor: Xiaosheng Bi
Cost of Tour: $3,590
Deadline to join tour: April 1, 2009
1 to 3 credits/Graduate Tuition: $360-1,080
Xiaosheng Bi, Hood professor and a former faculty member of the ceramic arts department of the Beijing Central Academy of Arts and Design, will lead the tour for ceramic art students and enthusiasts. The tour will feature special, hands-on workshops with Chinese master potters in Yixing (famous for its teapots), Fuping International Pottery Village (participants will contribute one of their pieces to the International Pottery Museum) and Dongguan (an active ceramics studio). The tour will also include visits to major attractions such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the tomb of the terra-cotta warriors. A professional travel service will arrange all the logistics so you can focus on learning Chinese ceramic techniques and enjoy the artistic and historical sites. The tour price includes the round-trip flight between Dulles International Airport and China, all air and bus travel within China, and all accommodations and meals at fine hotels and restaurants. Submit a deposit by January 5 for a $100 discount. The deadline to join tour is March 1, 2010.
Hood College and its agents assume no liability for the tour or tour participants.
ARTS 599BB Seminar to Define Personal Aesthetic Direction
February 27-28;
April 24-25; and
May 8-9
Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Catherine White
Workshop Fee : $700
3 credits/Graduate Tuition:1,080
The course is composed of three intensive seminars that build on each other to identify and define a personal direction. The first weekend will focus on the artist journal as a tool to experiment, articulate, and record an artistic direction and path. Students will explore writing, drawing, and painting as it relates specifically to ceramic applications. The second weekend will focus on drawing in clay including the use of paper transfers and cutouts. Students will make open forms in series including bowls and plates wheel-thrown and hand built to intertwine drawing, printing, and sense of pattern on three-dimensional forms. The third weekend seminar will cycle from sketchbook to 3-D form and back to sketchbook. The focus on vertical forms, such as vases and bottles in series, will use each student’s journal as inspiration for the pots to be made that are then the departure point for refined and alternative ideas.
ARTS 599DD Denmark Clay: Imagery and Emotion in Ceramic Art
Lecture: Friday, March 19,
6-9 p.m.
Workshop: March 20-21,
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructors: Priscilla Mouritzen and Sten Lykke Madsen
Workshop Fee : $195
1 credit/Graduate Tuition:$360
During the course two internationally acclaimed Danish ceramic artists will provide a look at the clay traditions and contemporary ceramic arts in Denmark and discuss the process of moving the stories of imagination and visual imagery into the reality of ceramic arts. Both artists use a minimum number of tools for their work. Sten uses a rolling pin, wooden tools, potter's knife and brushes. Priscilla uses a metal rib, brushes and a scalpel. Both artists draw, paint and practice the graphic arts of etching and lino-cutting, informing their three-dimensional ceramic art work through their two-dimensional visual explorations. Sten Lykke Madsen will share many simple techniques, developed over his long career, which enable him to create just the right surface effect he desires. He builds large complex forms swiftly, often setting his figures on a plinth, which is an integral part of the piece, and fires in soda or wood to add just the effect the surface needs. His will discuss his choice of clays which provide elusive surface effects seeking when fired with wood.
Priscilla Mouritzen will demonstrate her pinching, carving and finishing processes and explain how she decorates her porcelain bowls in anticipation of the flames of the wood kiln. She will talk about the scale of her work and the secondary, but important, theme: the sale of her work.
ARTS 599 Slip Decoration
July 17-18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 17, 6-9 p.m.
Instructor: Catherine White
Workshop Fee : $185
1 credit/Graduate Tuition:$360
The course is an exploration in the vocabulary of colored slips (liquid clays), the inherent expressions demonstration and hands-on work on Saturday and Sunday will be amplified with an evening slide talk of personal work and historical references. Assignments will explore the poetic potential of texture, line, pattern and color variations. The class will weave together the implications of brushwork, additive and subtractive applications, and the interaction of glaze and fire. Assignments will cover experiments with varied techniques.
Community Classes
CA2 Understanding Pottery Glazes
July 31- August 1
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Nancy Robbins
Workshop Fee: $170
An introduction to basic chemical concepts and technology as applicable to ceramics. The workshop is designed for those with minimal previous knowledge of chemistry and glaze materials. This workshop or a college level chemistry course is required as a prerequisite for ARTS 521 Properties of Glaze.
CA3 Wheel:
Beginning and Intermediate
Jan. 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9 and 16; or
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and April 6; or
April 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18 and 25
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructor: John O'Neill
Aug. 26; Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; or
Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; and Dec. 2
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructor: John O’Neill
Class Fee: $170 per six-week session
Includes open studio time: Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
BEGINNERS: Learn to wedge, center, throw and trim open forms using the potter’s wheel. Basic concepts will introduce participants to the joys of throwing and prepare them for more advanced work. Bring an old towel and wear old clothes. Fee includes 25 lbs. of clay and firing.
INTERMEDIATE: Refine basic skills. Learn to throw and trim vertical forms and move toward handling larger amounts of clay. Each session will emphasize a special skill, form or topic. Fee includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
CA7 Clay for Parents and Children
Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11 and 18; or
March 4, 11, 18, 27; April 1 and 8; or
April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20 and 27; or
Aug. 26; Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and Oct. 7; or
Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; and Dec. 2
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Carol Spicer
Class Fee: $100 per individual per six-week session with a maximum of two children per adult
An introductory class that provides the opportunity for parents and youth ages 6-10 to spend creative time together working with clay. Concepts include the use of slabs, coils and other hand-forming techniques. Methods for decorating hand-built pieces and basic skills in glazing and firing will also be covered. Wear old clothes Fee includes glazing and firing. Students are responsible for clay costs.