CLASSES: CERAMICS

Topics covered include basic wheel throwing techniques: centering, throwing and trimming, in addition to conceptual development, firing, glazing, and ceramic history past and present. Classes will consist of technical demonstrations, lectures, and work time.

Prerequisites: None

Supplies: 1 bag of clay included. Additional clay available for purchase.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC are invited to attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

This class will help the intermediate student expand on their established techniques of wheel throwing. This class emphasizes textural surface techniques with underglaze decoration and mid-range oxidation glazing for thrown forms. When you complete this class, you will have several decorative and functional pieces to take home.

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Wheel OR pre-approval from the instructor. Student must have demonstrable knowledge of centering and basic throwing techniques. Please contact the office at 214-320-1275 for pre-approval.

Supplies: 1 bag of clay included. Additional clay available for purchase.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC are invited to attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

Students will learn essential hand building techniques, including pinch, coil and slab. Projects will draw on traditional methods and move toward current ceramic technologies. Classes will consist of technical demonstrations, lectures and work time.

Prerequisites: None

Supplies: 1 bag of clay included. Additional clay available for purchase.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC are invited to attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

This course will go beyond the basics of pinch and coil, and focus on building techniques used to create large, yet lightweight sculptural forms, and vessels. Other topics include, multi-segmented pieces, assemblage after firing and alternative considerations of the ceramic surface.

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Handbuilding OR pre-approval from instructor. Student should have demonstrable knowledge of hand-building techniques such as coil, pinch, and slab construction. Call the office at 214-720-1275 for pre-approval.

Supplies: 1 bag of clay included. Additional clay available for purchase.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC are invited to attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

This class is for the students with previous ceramic building practices who wants to work with clay in a sculptural manner. Large scale, figurative or abstracted forms are encouraged. Many students combine wheel thrown works into non-traditional shapes.

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Handbuilding OR Fundamentals of Wheel OR instructor pre-approval. Students must have demonstrable knowledge of handbuilding or wheel techniques. Call the office for pre-approval.

Supplies: 1 bag of clay included. Additional clay available for purchase.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC can attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

This class is open to all levels. Students will become familiar with basic techniques using the potter's wheel as well as hand-building. This class might be a good fit for the student who has particular objectives or independent projects they would like to pursue. Explore a variety of ways to make things using clay. This class is a mix of hand-building and utilizing the potter's wheel. Students are encouraged to experiment, and through practice and production express their personal voice in ceramics.

Prerequisites: None

Supplies: 1 bag of clay included. Additional clay available for purchase.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC can attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

Sculpting the figure is an exciting and fun way to capture the dynamic essence of human form and movement! Working from live models, using only your hands for tools, you will explore and learn the physical properties and possibilities of clay. Having your hands directly in the clay enables you to become one with the medium and lets you interpret and express motion in surprising ways. Whether you are new to clay or have more experience, you will succeed in advancing your skills. Boards, easels and simple armatures are provided. We use only terra cotta clay in class, which can be purchased from the CAC.

Skills Acquired:

• Confidence about the physical manipulation of clay
• Awareness of the figure as an integrated whole, rather than an assemblage of parts
• Broader understanding of the importance of having a "story" inside a sculpture

Class meets for six weeks.

Prerequisites: None

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC can attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

Int/Adv Figurative Sculpture is a self-driven and self-paced clay sculpture class for students who are already proficient in their clay skills. Our emphasis is individual creative development. You will have the option of participating in a class project or pursuing a project of your own. From conception to completion, you will learn about the tools and techniques necessary to plan and develop your sculpture. That plan will include choice of scale, which will determine how much and what kind of armature you will need to build. You will learn how to prepare your sculpture to be fired in a kiln, and when fired, how to choose and apply a surface finish. Through critique and group discussion, you and your fellow sculptors will learn and exchange ideas and offer helpful problem-solving advice and encouragement.

Skills Acquired:

• Independence within sculptural studies and self-motivation.
• Planning as a guide to crafting a more successful sculpture.
• Access to class input as a means to sharpen skills.

Prerequisites: Figurative Sculpture OR pre-approval from instructor. Contact the office for pre-approval at 214-320-1275.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC can attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.

Discover the endless possibilities of ceramics in this exciting class designed for all levels! You’ll explore various techniques, including slab making, hand-building, and face casting, to craft sculptures, functional objects, or whatever your imagination envisions. From traditional glazing to mixed-media surface treatments, you’ll learn the skills needed to bring your ideas to life. With an emphasis on creativity and exploration, this class is a gateway to your innovative and unique style in clay, whether you're a beginner or experienced artist!

Prerequisites: None

All supplies included.

Students currently enrolled in a ceramics/clay class at the CAC can attend the Ceramics Lab sessions free of charge. For more about the Ceramics Lab and lab times, click here.