Join us for 10 sessions of creating functional and sculptural works in earthenware (terra cotta) clay. We will learn various hand building techniques to create pieces such as bowls, platters, mugs, large pieces and more…come with your own ideas, too! This class is for all levels, from the true beginner to those with clay experience. If you have experience in ceramics, but want to learn about low fire earthenware clay, come join us. Participants will learn pinch, coil, and slab techniques, as well as how to alter forms to make functional and sculptural pottery. The use of simple molds will aid in building certain forms. A variety of surface decorating techniques will be covered. These include using texture and layering with slip and underglaze, terra sigillata, and low fire glazes. We will cover sound studio practices and kiln loading, while participants make personal discoveries in their work.

Weekly Class

Tuition: $335+$50 Studio Fee

1/9-3/27 no class 1/16+3/6

Mondays from 6-9pm EST (10 sessions)

CEUs: 3

Supplies:

Shared tools are available in class, but if you prefer to have your own, good tools to purchase - Rubber flexible rib, serrated rib, small wooden blending tool, and fettling knife. You can find these at Portland Pottery Supply (Anderson St.), Art Mart (across from school), or on-line at Dick Blick. Other handy tools are a wide, soft brush (hake brush), a mid-sized brush (Chinese calligraphy), and a small inexpensive brush for fine line work. Again, we will have these all available to share. Only purchase if you want to have your own tools. Also bring to class: anything you have at home to stamp/press into clay to make texture, if desired - an apron or old shirt (we have some in the classroom), and a small hand towel that can get dirty.

Faculty: Julie Cunningham is an artist and ceramics teacher living in Portland. She has a BFA in ceramics from Maine College of Art and a BS from the University of New Hampshire. She is an adjunct faculty at Maine College of Art and Southern Maine Community College, on the teaching staff at Portland Pottery, and has taught previously at the University of New England. Her teaching experience also includes children and adults through community and adult education programs. Time spent outdoors, while observing the changing hues, textures, and arrangements of nature inform her work. Her pieces are comprised of earthenware clay, terra sigillata, and layered low fire glazes. She primarily uses hand building techniques to create her organic forms. Julie sells her work at Markings Gallery in Bath, Maine Craft Portland, and at Portland Pottery. 

COVID POLICIES: 

All students + faculty are required to: 

• provide proof of vaccination + booster immediately after registration by emailing an image of their vaccination card to cstudy@meca.edu.