Fine-tune your throwing skills by taking simple shapes one step further.  This multi-level class will focus on throwing basic shapes, vessels, and containers then manipulating their forms and surfaces.  You will learn several different altering techniques, both subtle and dramatic, that can be applied during different stages of the clay making process. This class will also explore making pottery in parts by conjoining separately thrown pieces.  (Which is a great way to create larger or more complex works.)

Megan Sauve received her BFA in ceramics from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2008. She was WSW's 2011 Chili Bowl intern and loved it so much that she decided to move to the area to stay involved at the workshop. Megan is a highly skilled potter and great teacher filled with creativity and enthusiasm and we are excited to have her here.

Filling, pouring, serving, holding, preserving, nourishing. These are all performative acts of pottery. Crafting pieces with a greater awareness of these actions will help form the integrity of a pot. In this class we will delve deeper into the form, function and context of your work. What purpose will your pots serve? Where will they reside - kitchen cabinet or a shelf in the living room? How does the performance of your pot dictate the form? These are some of the questions we will explore in class through demonstrations, discussions, looking, using and making.

"Each functional pot could be said to be created anew, to be remade , each time it is used. It remains conceptually incomplete otherwise, while not in use." Paul Mathieu

Lauren Sandler received her BFA at SUNY New Paltz in 2004, and an MFA at Penn State University in 2007. Since then she has taught as an adjunct at various schools around Philadelphia. She recently moved back to Rosendale after two years as an Artist in Residence at The Clay Studio of Missoula. You can check out
her work at laurensandlerstudio.com.

Raku is an ancient technique developed in 16th Century Japan. Glowing hot pots are pulled directly from the kiln and the magical interaction of glaze and fire is enhanced when pieces are place into combustible materials. From white glaze with dark crackles, to metallic coppers, greens, and reds the raku process produces seductive surfaces.

This is a six-week, four hour class in which we will be making pots for a raku kiln, and firing them. We will do multiple firings allowing for lots of experimenting with glaze effects. Instruction will be given in hand-building and wheel in order to help students create forms appropriate for raku firing.

Katie Scott-Childress is a ceramic artist with a studio in Kingston, NY. She has taught ceramics for many years in Maryland and New York.

Beginners and wheel throwing enthusiasts alike are welcome in this open studio-style class. Basic throwing and glazing will be covered, as well as more complicated forms. Demonstrations will be tailored to individual interests and needs. The possibilities are endless! Get the support and guidance you need to make your heart's desire using that magical tool, the potter's wheel! 

Mary Beth Wehrung graduated with her BFA in ceramics from SUNY New Paltz in 2004. She was the Clay Program coordinator at WSW for 6 years during which she has taught many wonderful classes at the workshop. She currently resides in Rosendale and is grateful for the opportunity to walk with you on your journey into clay!

Back by popular demand, this mixed-level hand-building class will cover pinching, coiling, slab construction and other hand-building skills to create any utilitarian or sculptural object you can imagine. Basic slip and glaze techniques will be covered, with special attention paid to surface decoration, texture and form. No experience necessary! (note: due to space restrictions, we will not be working on a large scale.)

You will enjoy the benefits of Amy Moses' diverse life experience as it adds variety and personality to her teaching.  She has studied and apprenticed in many settings since first being introduced to clay in Architecture school in the mid 90’s.  Amy creates utilitarian objects and sculptural pieces by hand and on the wheel.