The Venice Art Center Ceramics, Pottery and Sculpture classes

Ceramics, Pottery and Sculpture

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Each series includes 25lbs. of clay, glazes and firing except #404 and #411

PLEASE NOTE: Pottery class numbers 401, 402, 403, 405, 406, 407, 411, 413 and 414 are
limited to SIX students per class due to the number of wheels. Please call for availability
before signing up for one of these classes.

#401 Beginning Pottery: On and Off the Wheel
Instructor: Julie Baxter

In this six week course you will learn the basic steps to successfully make ceramic objects, such as bowls, vases and sculpture. We will learn the basics of hand building, pinching, coiling and slabs, and also learn to "throw" a pot on the wheel. Starting with wedging the clay and continuing through centering, opening and pulling up (throwing), you will make bowls and cylinders. To complete the process, you will trim your work and then glaze it. This is a small class concentrating on individual attention.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Monday, 9:30am-12:30noon
#401A: January 7-February 11
#401B: February 25-April 1
#401C: April 8-May 13
Fee: $210/Members $260/Nonmembers

#402 Pottery: All Levels
Instructor: Julie Baxter

This three hour, six week class is for students at all levels from beginning to advanced. We will work on the basics of hand building and "throwing" a pot on the wheel and continue according to each student's abilities. Since the class is small there is a lot of individual attention.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Wednesday, 6:00-9:00pm
#402A: October 17-November 28 (no class 11/21)
#402B: January 9-February 13
#402C: February 27-April 3
Fee: $210/Members $260/Nonmembers

#403 Intermediate/Advanced Pottery
Instructor: Julie Baxter

In this three hour, six week course you will learn to make bigger, better and more consistent pots either through hand building or on the potter's wheel. Each class will start with a demonstration of a particular technique for both hand building and wheel work. We will work on surface decoration and different finishes for the pots and many glazing techniques. You will be able to work on varied projects or projects may be assigned. Since the class is small there is a lot of individual attention.

Dates: 6 Weeks, Monday, 1:00-4:00pm
#403A: January 7-February 11
#403B: February 25-April 1
#403C: April 8-May 13
Fee: $210/Members $260/Nonmembers

#404 Open Studio Pottery

The pottery studio will be open all day Fridays and Saturdays for students currently enrolled in pottery or ceramics class. All clay must be purchased from the Venice Art Center. Please remember to clean up the room when you leave. Pre-register as space is limited.Please call (941)485-7136 to reserve your spot today!

Fridays: 9:30am - 4:00pm - October 5 - May 25
Saturdays: 9:30am - 4pm - November 3 - May 25
Fee: $15/Members $20/Nonmembers

#405 Hand Building and Wheel Throwing: All Levels
Instructor: Walter Yovaish

Beginners start with various hand building techniques coil, pinch and slab methods incorporating textural elements to enhance each piece. A glazing lecture follows, explaining the many techniques available. When the first pieces are completed a wheel throwing demonstration will be given for those who wish to learn that aspect of ceramics. Experienced students will work on their chosen projects exploring more deeply glazing and throwing or hand building techniques.

Dates: 5 Weeks, Tuesday, 9:30am-12:00noon, 1:00-3:30pm, or 6:00-8:30pm
#405A: October 2-October 30, 9:30am-12:00noon
#405B: October 2-October 30, 1:00-3:30pm
#405C: October 2-October 30, 6:00-8:30pm
#405D: November 6-December 4, 9:30am-12:00noon
#405E: November 6-December 4, 1:00-3:30pm
#405F: November 6-December 4, 6:00-8:30pm
#405G: January 8-February 5, 9:30am-12:00noon
#405H: January 8-February 5, 1:00-3:30pm
#405I: January 8-February 5, 6:00-8:30pm
#405J: February 19-March 19, 9:30am-12:00noon
#405K: February 19-March 19, 1:00-3:30pm
#405L: February 19-March 19, 6:00-8:30pm
#405M: March 26-April 23, 9:30am-12:00noon
#405N: March 26-April 23, 1:00-3:30pm
#405O: March 26-April 23, 6:00-8:30pm
#405P: April 30-May 28, 9:30am-12:00noon
#405Q: April 30-May 28, 1:00-3:30pm
#405R: April 30-May 28, 6:00-8:30pm
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#406 Pottery: Thursday Morning Class: Beginners Only
Instructor: Walter Yovaish

You will start with various hand building techniques that include coil, pinch and slab methods incorporating textural elements to enhance the piece. A glazing lecture will follow explaining the many techniques available. When the first pieces are completed a wheel throwing demonstration will be given for those who wish to learn that aspect of ceramics.

Dates: 5 Weeks, Thursday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#406A: October 4-November 1
#406B: November 8-December 13 (no class 11/22)
#406C: January 10-February 7
#406D: February 14– March 21 (no class 2/21)
#406E: March 28-April 25
#406F: May 2-30
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#407 Pottery: Thursday Afternoon or Evening: Experienced Students
Instructor: Walter Yovaish

This is a more challenging atmosphere and a chance for intermediate/advanced students to explore various forms, shapes and design in clay as well as experiment with various glazing techniques and applications.

Dates: 5 Weeks, Thursday, 1:00-3:30pm or 6:00-8:30pm
#407A: October 4-November 1, 1:00-3:30pm
#407B: October 4-November 1, 6:00-8:30pm
#407C: November 8-December 13, 1:00-3:30pm (no class 11/22)
#407D: November 8-December 13, 6:00-8:30pm (no class 11/22)
#407E: January 10-February 7,1:00-3:30pm
#407F: January 10-February 7, 6:00-8:30pm
#407G: February 14– March 21, 1:00-3:30pm (no class 2/21)
#407H: February 14– March 21, 6:00-8:30pm (no class 2/21)
#407I: March 28-April 25,1:00-3:30pm
#407J: March 28-April 25,6:00-8:30pm
#407K: May 2-30,1:00-3:30pm
#407L: May 2-30, 6:00-8:30pm
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#408 Clay With or Without the Wheel
Instructor: Pat Kelly

Knowledge of basic wheel-throwing is required for wheel students, but any level of skill for hand-building is welcome. Special,
specific techniques will be highlighted in this class. Each week there will be a short demo on things like, finishing a piece, handles, etc.

Dates: 5 weeks, Wednesday, 1:00-3:30pm
#408A: October 17-November 14
#408B: November 21-December 19
#408C: January 9-February 6
#408D: February 13-March 13
#408E: March 20-April 17
#408F: April 24-May 22
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#409 Creative Handbuilding
Instructor: Pat Kelly

Yes, somewhere inside you there is a spark of creativity! Join this class and explore. Handbuilding allows you to develop and accomplish
finished ceramic creations. You will be successful from day one. All creative levels are welcome.

Dates: 5 weeks, Wednesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#409A: October 17-November 14
#409B: November 21-December 19
#409C: January 9-February 6
#409D: February 13-March 13
#409E: March 20-April 17
#409F: April 24-May 22
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#410 Wheel, Handbuilding and Designing With Raku
Instructor: Amy Webber

This is an open studio atmosphere catering to individual projects. We will be exploring hand building and/or wheel throwing techniques with the thought of finishing the work in the different ways of Raku. This class is for those who want to experience the ancient Japanese art of Raku firing methods, alternative glazing techniques and the southwest ways of pit firing & saggar firing. Regular glazing available.

Dates: 3 weeks, Monday, 5:30-8:30pm
#410A: December 3-17
Fee: $115/Members $165/Nonmembers

Dates: 4 weeks, Monday, 5:30-8:00pm
#410B: October 8-29
#410C: November 5-26
#410D: January 7-28
#410E: February 4-25
#410F: March 4-25
#410G: April 1-22
Fee: $155/Members $205/Nonmembers

#411 Alternative Raku Firing
Instructor: Amy Webber

All Levels. Open studio atmosphere catering to individual design and glazing techniques. Bring “bisqued” stoneware or Raku clay pots to fire.

Dates: 1 day, Saturday, 11:00am-2:00pm
#411A: December 8
#411B: January 5
#411C: February 2
#411D: March 30
Fee: $35/Members $40Nonmembers

#412 Surface Decoration #1
Instructor: DeLena Hornbeck

This class will be a five week in-depth exploration of techniques that you can use to manipulate and decorate the wet clay form. You will make a variety of
tools and use them to create piece which are personally yours. You will make a simple texture mold for multiple pieces and the use of colored slips will be addressed. The class is for students familiar with formative methods.

Dates: 5 weeks, Monday, 1:00-3:30pm
#412A: October 8-November 5
Fee: $140/Members $190Nonmembers

#413 Surface Decoration #2
Instructor: DeLana Hornbeck

Using your bisque pieces, we will try many glazing techniques, making reference to historical methods. We will use stencils, masks, and resist techniques as well as antiquing which yields interesting results for your work. Discover different effects from over laying multiple glazes or incorporating underglaze colors. This class will make glazing more fun and less intimidating!

Dates: 5 weeks, Wednesday, 1:00-3:30pm
#413A: September 7-October 5
#413B: April 11-May 9
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#414 Pinching and Beyond
Instructor: DeLana Hornbeck

Learn the most ancient pottery method and make free form large beautiful organic pieces. Finish these pieces by polishing the clay to a high shine. These pieces are more suitable for outdoor firing techniques; saw dust, Saga or horse hair firing, but may be fired by any other firing method. Any skill levels are welcome and especially good for beginners.

Dates: 5 weeks, Saturday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#414A: March 2-30
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

#415 Hand Building
Instructor: Kathy Surowka

This class will introduce the basic knowledge of specific ceramic handbuilding techniques. We will create specific items such as lanterns and pinch pots. There will be demos on forming and layering, slab construction and pattern making. We will also discuss the use of reusable molds for patterns from clay or paper clay.

Dates: 5 weeks, Monday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#415A: October 8-November 5
#415B: November 12-December 10
Fee: $140/Members $190/Nonmembers

Dates: 4 weeks, Monday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#415C: January 7-28
Fee: $115/Members $165/Nonmembers

#420 Portrait Bust in Clay
Instructor: Nancy Heart

You will learn a system of capturing the likeness of a model through the use of photographs and a series of measurements that are linked to the anatomical reference points throughout the skull, neck and face. Measurements will give the underlying structure, the series of photographs reveals the forms of the subject’s head and facial features as they relate to each other. This will assist in capturing likeness, personality and mood. Your work will be fired in the kiln for permanency.
Please call 941-485-7136 for class sign-up and availability.

#421 Pet Portrait in Clay
Instructor: Nancy Heart

Immortalize your loving, faithful, furry friend! You will learn to make an armature on which to build their sculptures. Learn sculpture techniques or hone your skills. You will work from photographs and measurements. Choose to make a sculpture, a caricature, or whatever suits your fancy. Your finished piece will be fired in the kiln. You will learn the fundamentals of working with clay in a relaxed environment. Come and have fun with us and create a great pet portrait.
Please call 941-485-7136 for class sign-up and availability.

#422 Sculpture in Clay
Instructor: Nancy Heart

Make that piece of sculpture you’ve always wanted! You will learn the basic techniques of sculpture. Class discussions include structure, composition, proportion, movement, design, surface finish, transition between forms and modeling a smooth or textured surface, which allow you to capture your ideas in clay. You will enjoy the “earthy” feeling of the medium and learn to manipulate it with confidence. Be prepared with ideas, pictures, and sketches for your first day of class to ensure you will reach your desired outcome. All levels welcome. This class has a relaxing atmosphere and creativity is encouraged.

Dates: 4 weeks, dates and times below
Tuesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#422A: December 4-January 8 (no class 12/25)
Fee: $120/Members $170/Nonmembers

Dates: 6 weeks, dates and times below
Tuesday, 9:30am-12:00noon
#422B: January 15-February 19
#422C: Feruary 26-April 2
#422D: April 9-May 14
Fee: $180/Members $210/Nonmembers

Dates: 4 weeks, dates and times below
Thursday 9:30am-12:00noon
#422E: October 25-November 15
Fee: $120/Members $170/Nonmembers

Dates: 5 weeks, dates and times below
Thursday 9:30am-12:00noon
#420F: January 17-February 14
Fee: $150/Members $200/Nonmembers

Dates: 6 weeks, dates and times below
Thursday 9:30-12:00noon
#420G: December 6-January 10
#420H: February 28-April 4
#420I: April 11-May 16
Fee: $180/Members $210/Nonmembers

#423 Beginners Only Sculpture Mini Sessions
Instructor: Nancy Heart

These sessions are strictly for beginners. Here is your chance to try working in clay and make a simple sculpture. You will learn easy techniques and get used to the feel of clay. No pressure or competition, so just come, relax and enjoy the class. All materials provided.

Dates: 2 day mini-session, topics, dates and times below:
#423A:Rock Heads, Wednesday, 9:30am-12:00noon January 9 & 16
#423B:Wall Mask, Wednesday, 9:30am-12:00noon February 6 & 13
#423C:Rock Heads, Wednesday, 1:00pm-3:30pm January 23 & 30
#423D:Wall Mask, Wednesday, 1:00pm-3:30pm March 6 & 13
Fee: $60/Members $85/Nonmembers

#424 Contemporary Sculpture
Instructor: Michele Ladig

This class focuses on raising the bar and expanding the creative possibilities in sculpture formation, using clay and mixed media. The instructor will work with each student to develop his or her personal style be it contemporary, whimsical or traditional. Ongoing demos of techniques and material options help develop work. Some experience with clay is helpful, but not necessary. A goal of the class is to reward risk and chance. You will create beautiful and unique work in this class.

Dates: 5 Weeks, Monday, 1:00pm-3:30pm
#424A: October 22-November 19
#424B: January 7-February 4
#424C: March 4-April 1
Fee: $150/Members $200/Nonmembers

#425 Open Sculpture Studio

Dates: Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm Must be currently taking a sculpture class to participate in Open Sculpture Studio.
Fee: Full day: $10/Members $15/Nonmembers
Fee: Half day (9:30-12noon): $5/Members $10/Nonmembers