$150 • June 16-19
Ages 5-10
Students will learn hand-building forms inspired by historical pottery from world cultures. We'll study ancient vessels, bowls, and sculptural traditions — how people made art to hold daily life objects.
Day 1: The First Vessels Coil Pots & Pinch Techniques Travel back to the very beginning of human creativity! Before the invention of complex tools, artists used their hands to "pinch" and "coil" earth into beautiful, functional art. Students will learn the fundamental pinch-pot method and the coiling technique used by ancient cultures from the Americas to Africa. We’ll focus on building height and strength, creating vessels that could have held grain, water, or ancient treasures.
Day 2: Stories in Stone Textured Slabs & Imprints Today, we explore the art of the slab! Inspired by the tablets and decorative tiles of Mesopotamia and ancient Rome, students will roll out flat "canvases" of clay. We will experiment with surface design, using found objects, handmade stamps, and natural textures to "print" stories and patterns into the clay. This session focuses on how ancient people used pottery to record history and decorate their surroundings.
Day 3: The Physics of the Spin Potter’s Wheel Basics & Forms It’s time to get the clay moving! On Day 3, we introduce the potter’s wheel, a revolutionary invention that changed the world. Students will feel the "centrifugal force" as they learn the basics of centering and pulling walls. Whether they are making a small bowl or a decorative form, this day is all about the magic of the spin and the hand-eye coordination required to master the machine.
Day 4: The Finishing Touch Glaze, Reflect, & Function In our final session, we add the "skin" to our sculptures. We will explore the science and art of glazing, learning how minerals and heat transform dull clay into vibrant, glassy masterpieces. As we work, we’ll have a "Maker’s Circle" to discuss form vs. function: Is this object for use or for beauty? Students will reflect on how their modern creations connect them to the long line of artists who have worked with clay for thousands of years.