Hand Building Ceramics Class with Austin Snedden

Beginner's Hand Building Ceramics Course
Explore the art of creating unique pottery without a wheel!

Course Overview:
In this beginner-friendly course, you'll learn the basics of hand building, a traditional pottery technique that involves shaping clay by hand rather than using a wheel. Perfect for those who prefer a tactile, slower approach to ceramics, this class covers a variety of hand building techniques that allow you to create functional and artistic pieces. Whether you're interested in making mugs, bowls, sculptures, or other clay creations, this course will provide you with the foundational skills to bring your ideas to life.

What You'll Learn:

• Pinching: Master the simple yet versatile technique of pinching to create small vessels and sculptures.
• Coiling: Learn how to build larger pieces like bowls, vases, and planters using coils of clay.
• Slab Building: Discover how to roll out clay slabs and join them to create geometric forms, boxes, trays, and other flat or boxy shapes.
• Surface Decoration: Experiment with carving, stamping, and texture techniques to add visual interest to your pieces.
• Assembly and Joining: Understand how to properly join different parts of your pieces to create stable, durable constructions.
• Basic Glazing: Introduction to glazing techniques to finish your pieces with color, texture, and shine.

Course Format:

• Duration: 4 weeks, 3-hour sessions
• Price: $200 Members/$240 Non-Members
• Class Size: Small group for more individualized attention
• Materials: All materials, including clay and tools, are provided.
• No Experience Needed: Ideal for beginners or anyone interested in learning more about hand building techniques.
•  ALL currently enrolled students will get access to the studio weekdays by scheduling a time with the studio manager.

What to Expect:

• Hands-on guidance and demonstrations from experienced instructor.
• A creative and welcoming environment where you can explore your personal style.
• Opportunities to create both functional pieces (like mugs and bowls) and decorative sculptures.
• Time to experiment with different textures, shapes, and finishes for your work.
• Finished pieces that you can take home, ready for use or display.