Learn to throw ceramics on a wheel! Wednesdays, October 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 6-8 p.m. (last class 6-8:30 p.m.) For those looking to begin their journey into the world of ceramics, Ceramicist and marine biologist Fran De Castro will guide you step-by-step as we center, pinch, pull, and push clay into the functional shapes we envision. From cementing your understanding of the basic fundamentals of wheel throwing, to creating beautiful functional ceramic forms, this 5-week evening course will take you through the many steps of throwing, trimming, and glazing clay to make a glossy finished piece. In this course, Fran will provide demonstrations of throwing various pottery shapes and students may decide which pieces they make (cups, bowls, vessels, plates). Week 1: Intro to the studio & ceramics (What is a damp box, what is the difference between leather-hard, bone dry, and bisqued clay)- Different types of clay and clay anatomy, How wheels work, how to wedge, how to center clay and pull walls, and the Art of Not Getting Too Attached. Week 2: Refresh the ergonomics of centering clay and pulling walls, intro to trimming Week 3: Refresh the basics of trimming, introduce trimming on chucks, handle pulling, and the four S’s of ceramics (Score, Slip, Stick, Smooth) Week 4: Introduce glazing basics and community kiln etiquette Week 5: Glazing basics & kiln etiquette continued – wax resists, differences in glazes, and glaze layering Projects will be ready to pick up 3-4 weeks after the last class. Beginners welcome. Ages 13+ years We recommend that each student bring an apron to wear and an older towel or a cloth rag. • Military, first responders and sibling discounts • Scholarships available • If this class is full or you would like to be notified of future offerings, join the Interest List.
