CLASSES
CLASSES
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN CLAY PARTY?
OR THAT PRIVATE CLAY LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE AT INDIAN RIVER CLAY?
OR THAT PRIVATE CLAY LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE AT INDIAN RIVER CLAY?
- Clay parties are $35 per person for the group. You provide your refreshments and Indian River Clay will take care of everything clay.
- Private lessons are $45/hour, minimum 3 hours or $60/hour for 2 people.
Contact us for more details or to schedule a party or lessons.
- Private lessons are $45/hour, minimum 3 hours or $60/hour for 2 people.
Contact us for more details or to schedule a party or lessons.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MASTER WORKSHOPS
As part of a special program Indian River Clay will be offering students the chance to take their practice to another level with Master Workshops. We will have guest instructors visit and bestow their passion and expertise on various projects. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from the masters!
MIKE LALONE
Mike will be visiting us from Murphy, N.C. where he presently teaches and has spent many years working at John C Campbell School of the Arts. He holds a Master's Degree in Studio Art from Western California University and also studied at the prestigious Kansas City Arts Institute and Alfred University in New York. His work has been exhibited at Orlando Biennial, Key West Art Festival, Festival of the Master at Walt Disney World and more.
Mike has been honored with such awards as the Daniel Clark Foundation Award of Excellence in Teaching, Teacher of the Year at his high school in Orlando FL three times (Where Jesus Minguez - another of our Master Workshop potters - was his student), Who's Who of American High School Teachers six times and Walt Disney Worlds' Excellence in Teaching Award.
Mike has been honored with such awards as the Daniel Clark Foundation Award of Excellence in Teaching, Teacher of the Year at his high school in Orlando FL three times (Where Jesus Minguez - another of our Master Workshop potters - was his student), Who's Who of American High School Teachers six times and Walt Disney Worlds' Excellence in Teaching Award.
PINCHPOT PORTRAITS
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You say you can’t do portraits; so let’s simplify the process so that you can be successful. Using the simplest forming process in clay, you will “pinch” your way to a proportional, realistic head sculpture. No special tools are needed as 95% of the process uses your hands only.
Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Mike Lalone Skill: All levels Cost: $125 Date: Wednesday, February 5 Time: 9-4. Materials to bring: a bag lunch and drink REGISTER |
KIDS CLASSES
POP-UP PLATES AND UNDERGLAZE TRANSFER |
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Students will create a utilitarian pop up plate and add a colorful design for it using the underglaze transfer technique. Students will return in two weeks to pick up their finished product
Pre-Registration is required. Ages: middle and high school Cost: $40 Date: Monday, January 27 Time: 9:30 - 12:30 Materials to bring: Drink and a snack Location: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach 32962 REGISTER |
NAME PLATES |
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Students will design and create a name plate that fits their personality using slab techniques. Underglaze will be added to enhance the design. Students will return in two weeks to pick up their finished product.
Pre-Registration is required. Ages: middle and high school Cost: $40 Date: Wednesday, February 26 Time: 9:30 - 12:30 Materials to bring: Drink and a snack Location: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach 32962 REGISTER |
KURI NUKI |
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Students will explore the Japanese technique of Kuri Nuki, or "carving out" where one starts with a block of clay and and carves away until the desired vessel emerges. The technique is part skill and part intuition, letting the clay speak to the creator to arrive at the final object. Students will return in 2 weeks to pick up their finished work.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Ages: middle and high school Cost: $40 Date: Monday, March 30 Time: 9:30 - 12:30 REGISTER |
JANUARY
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THREE DIMENSIONAL ART: EXPLORING ANIMAL SCULPTURE
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Everyone loves a puppy, so come create one (or another favorite animal) out of clay! This course will provide beginning through advance students an opportunity to learn techniques for building freestanding figures using coiling construction and to explore surface enhancements with sculptor, Amy Grabelsky. Bring a photo of your favorite pet – or any animal you wish to create—to use as reference. In this class, geared toward all levels of experience, participants will create a body, add head and legs, and learn to refine the details of your sculpture to create a realistic representation.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Amy Grabelsky Skill level: Some Experience Necessary Cost: $120 Materials Fee: $15 Class Dates: Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 Time: 9:30 to 12 noon Materials To Bring: none Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
BEGINNER WHEEL - TIME TO GET WHEEL |
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In this 8 week course we’ll focus on developing fundamental throwing skills on the potter’s wheel. Students will learn how to create a variety of basic forms including basic cylinders, bowls, and lidded jars. Whatever your level you’ll improve your skills, build confidence and have fun along the way.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Nancy Blair Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate Cost: $240 Materials Fee: $25 for bag of clay to be purchased from IRC at first class Class Dates: Tuesdays, January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3, 17 (no class March 10) Time: 1 to 4 PM Materials To Bring: Basic pottery tools. Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 CLASS IS FULL - NEXT SESSION IN MARCH |
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BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE WHEEL
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This class is intended for beginners students with little or no previous experience using the wheel. Students with more experience are welcome to join and work at their own pace, with guidance. Class will focus on fundamentals of wedging, centering, opening lifting and producing basic pottery forms such as bowls, cylinders, mugs, plates and vases. Time will also be spent on glazing techniques. Students buy their own clay at $25 for a 25 pound bag the first class.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Maria Sparsis Skill Level: Beginner and intermediate Cost: $240 Materials Fee: $25 purchase of bag of clay Class Date: Thursdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27, Time: 6 to 9 PM Materials To Bring: none Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 CLASS IS FULL |
A PAIR OF MUGS |
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Come join potter Maria Sparsis for the evening, bring a snack and a beverage if you'd like, and learn how to make your own beautifully textured mugs. We will hand build mugs using clay slabs and texture rollers. Time permitting you can create 2 pieces to keep or to gift. Your mugs will be glazed and fired for you and you can return to collect them.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Maria Sparsis Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $35 Materials Fee: $5 Class Date: January 14 Time: 6-9 Materials To Bring: none Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
MESSING AROUND WITH UNDERGLAZE |
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Participants will explore the use of underglazes to achieve a variety of results. The class will cover underglazes on both greenware and bisque. Participants will bring several slabs of light clay and a bisqued piece or two such as a bowl, cup or small sculpture.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $35 Materials Fee: $10 (to be paid to the instructor at the first class) Class Date: Monday, January 20 Time: 9-12 Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
GARDEN TOTEMS |
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Discover your roots while making your own garden totems with Ginny. This class will meet once a week for 6 weeks on Friday afternoons.
Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill level: All levels Class dates: Friday, January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, & 28 Time: 1-4 Cost: $180 Materials Fee: $25 bag of clay to be purchased first day of class. Materials to bring: none Locations: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach FL 32962 REGISTER |
FEBRUARY
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PAPER CLAY
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Exploring the strength and versatility of paper clay with wet and dry slab construction. We'll be using commercial clay but I'll also show you how to make your own with porcelain.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Joan Cortright Skill level: All Levels Cost: $60 Materials Fee: $12 for clay to be purchased from IRC at first class Class Dates: Sundays, February 2 and 9 Time: 1 to 4 PM Materials To Bring: Basic pottery tools Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 CLASS IS FULL |
GUARDIAN MASKS |
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In this two -session class you will, in the first session, learn how to build a clay guardian mask (a creature of your imagination designed to be just a little bit scary so they can protect you and your home), using an inverted plaster mold. In the second session, you will use underglazes to decorate and bring life to your Guardian.
Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Maria Sparsis Cost: $65 Materials cost:$10 Skill level: All Materials to bring: none Date: Saturdays, February 8 and 22 Time: 9-12 Location: 1174 S US 1 Vero Beach 32962 REGISTER |
WHEEL CLINIC |
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For intermediate and advanced potters who would like to improve skills and learn new ones. Closed forms, thrown and altered forms, lidded vessels, large platters, hollow donut forms, square dishes, composite forms or just help with basic throwing skills.
Pre-Registration is required Instructor: Maria Sparsis Skill: Intermediate to advanced Cost:$120 Materials Fee: $25 for a bag of clay. Materials to bring: throwing tools and clothes to get muddy. Dates: Mondays, February 10th, 24th, March 9th, 23rd Time: 9-12 Location: 1174 S US 1 Vero Beach 32962 REGISTER |
UNDERGLAZE TRANSFER |
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In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity create and use underglaze transfers on slabs of clay to be made into simple slump platters. Participants should bring several slabs of wet clay, either white or terra-cotta. The workshop includes a demonstration of screen printed transfers.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $45 Materials Fee: $10 Class Date: Wednesday, February 11 Time: 6-9 Materials To Bring: Several soft slabs 12" or 14" squares Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
INTRO TO HAND BUILDING |
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Learn the basics of hand building in clay. Pinch pot, slab and coil construction will be covered. Course consists of six 3 hour classes. Both sculptural and functional form will be addressed.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill Level: Beginners Cost: $180 Materials Fee: $10 Class Dates: Wednesdays, February 12, 19, 26, and March 4, 11, and 18 Time: 1 to 4 PM Materials To Bring: None Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
POP-UP PLATES AND UNDERGLAZE TRANSFERS WITH MARIA AND GINNY
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Join Maria & Ginny as they lead participants through first decorating a clay slab with underglazes and textures and then cut and form pop up plates from the decorated, textured slab.
Preregistration is required. Instructors: Maria Sparsis & Ginny Piech Street Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $50 Materials Fee: $10 Class Date: Sunday, February 16 Time: 9 to 1 Materials To Bring: None Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER MONSTERS |
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Learn how to make fun, whimsical, monster toothbrush holders using stoneware and porcelain. The monsters you create can be fired as they are, or, if you choose, you can come in for an hour the following week to add some colour to your creations.
Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Maria Sparsis Skill level: All skills Cost: $35 Material fee: $5 Class Date: Tuesday, February 18th. Time: 6-9 Materials to bring: None Location: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach FL 32962 REGISTER |
CHILD'S TEA SET - The Wonder of Play |
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Participants will work together to create a child’s tea set. The set will include at least one pitcher, four cups and four saucers. Students are encouraged to think imaginatively – remember, children are rarely critics of fine details and appreciate whimsy! Your tea set will reflect your imagination and skill set – children’s play is a precious thing, you are encouraged to make a tea set that will be enjoyed (perfection is not our aim!) We will spend two sessions making pieces for the set and then reconvene after they have been bisqued for an opportunity to glaze. If time permits, participants can make a small tray, sugar bowl, or small cake to complete their sets. Students will retrieve their sets from the studio after the glaze firing.
Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Amy Morse Skill Level: Experience helpful but not required. Cost: $50 Material Fee: $5 Class Dates: Sunday, February 23, March 1 and 15 Class Time: 2/23 and 3/1 1-4, 3/15 1-2 Materials to bring: None Location: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach FL 32962 REGISTER |
HAND-BUILDING SKILLS |
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This will be a project-based class for beginner and intermediate level potters. Each week we will choose a project to re-enforce a particular set of skills. Students are encouraged to bring ideas and designs for projects they’d like to work on. We will explore coils, pinchpots, soft and hard slabs and learn to design and use patterns.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Maria Sparsis Skill Level: Beginner and Intermediate Skill Cost: $180 Materials Fee: $25 for bag of clay (to be paid to the instructor at the first class) Class Date: Tuesdays, Feb. 25, March 3, 10, (no class 3/17 and 3/24), 31, April 7, and 14 Time: 6 pm to 9 pm Materials To Bring: none Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
MOSAIC FLOWER POT |
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Over 2 days you will create a mosaic flower pot with Anita Prentice. She will provide extra tiles, thin-set for gluing, grout tools, rubber gloves, mixing bowls and granite squares for breaking.
There will also be pottery rejects in the corner bucket at IRC. Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Anita Prentice Skill: All skill levels Cost: $35 Material Fee: $5 Materials to bring: an 8" terra-cota flower pot; existing pieces you've broken, or would like to break (please do so before class), are encouraged; a terry cloth towel to cut up for rags will be needed as well. Fee free to bring your favorite hammer and safety glasses if you have them, otherwise Anita will provide them. Dates: February 29 & March 1 Time: 2/29- 10:00-1:00 & 3/1- 10:00-11:30 Location: 1174 S US 1 Vero Beach FL 32962 CLASS IS FULL |
MARCH
THREE DIMENSIONAL ART: EXPLORING ANIMAL SCULPTURE |
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Everyone loves a puppy, so come create one (or another favorite animal) out of clay! This course will provide beginning through advance students an opportunity to learn techniques for building freestanding figures using coiling construction and to explore surface enhancements with sculptor, Amy Grabelsky. Bring a photo of your favorite pet – or any animal you wish to create—to use as reference. In this class, geared toward all levels of experience, participants will create a body, add head and legs, and learn to refine the details of your sculpture to create a realistic representation.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Amy Grabelsky Skill level: Some Experience Necessary Cost: $120 Materials Fee: $15 Class Dates: Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, and April 1 Time: 9:30 to 12 noon Materials To Bring: none Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
CARVING A PIECE OF ART |
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In this two day class learn to form and carve an art piece that can be used as a luminary. The first day we learn to roll a slab, press a pattern into the clay and then cut out pieces of your choosing to produce a beautiful cylinder. The second day we will learn how to glaze your work of art. Look forward to oohs and aahs when your friends see it back-lit with a candle on your lanai!
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Linda Wack Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $40 Materials Fee: $10 Class Date: Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 20 Class Time: 3/5 1-4 and 3/20 1-2 Materials to bring: Any favorite tools if you have them. Location: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach FL 32962 REGISTER |
DAY OF THE DUDE |
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March 6 is the official Day Of The Dude. The Day Of The Dude is a reference to the classic cult film, The Big Lebowski which actually has no connection to this class except that the little fellow in the picture has been nicknamed The Dude. So, with that in mind, come have some fun building your own Dude from a press mold and a pinch pot. There is plenty of opportunity to make this little fellow your own, reflecting your creative preferences. Come join the class and have a great time.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $40 Materials Fee: $5 Class Date: Wednesday, March 6 Time: 1 to 4 PM Materials To Bring: None Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER 
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HAND BUILD A SUGAR AND CREAMER SET-
Make Morning Coffee Beautiful |
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Students will use provided leather-soft slabs and templates to create a sugar and creamer set. You will be encouraged to consider issues of form, function, and surface decoration. At the first session you will learn how to carefully close slab seams, alter their forms, attach spouts, and finesse soft edges. At the second session you will have a chance to use glazes and mason stains to enhance surface decoration. If time permits you can create a spoon for the sugar pot.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Amy Morse Skill level: All Levels Cost: $40 Materials Fee: $5 Class Dates: March 8 and 22 Time: 3/8: 1-4, 3/22: 1-2 Materials To Bring: Basic pottery tools Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
IKEBANA PILLOW VASES |
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Come in for one evening, bring a snack and a beverage if you’d like, and learn how to make and use a Japanese-style Ikebana flower arranging vase. You will learn how to make and decorate a clay slab for the top part of the container and a simple way of arranging a few flowers and branches to make an elegant arrangement. The slabs you create will be glazed and fired, and a base with a kenzan (flower frog) will be epoxied to the slab. Time permitting you can create 2 or 3 tops. No tools or experience necessary.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Maria Sparsis Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $35 Materials Fee: $8 per vase Class Date: Thursday March 12 Time: 6 to 9 PM Materials To Bring: None Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
CARVED PORCELAIN - CREATING GRACEFUL SCULPTURAL FORMS
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We will cover all the stages of throwing, altering and carving porcelain, including “dry throwing,” the structural mechanics of altering, and various carving techniques. The classroom will allow us to all work together so we can see and work at the same time.
The first day we will throw and alter the pieces and carve them. The second day we will sand those smaller pieces to refine the carving. Pre-Registration required Instructor: CoCo Martin Skill Level: Basic throwing skills Cost: $150 Materials fee: $12-$25 for clay (depending on size of the piece desired.) Materials to bring: Each person will need a Kemper #R3 trimming tool, a trimming knife (#11 Xacto knife or Dolan 220 style knife), a Kemper WS little wire tool, a soft leaded pencil or felt marker, 1” and 2” tapered sponge “Poly brush” made in the USA. They may be found at Ace Hardware or Walmart hobby section not the paint department. (The Chinese poly brushes are too flimsy to be useful.) Also needed, one or two Scotch-Brite green scouring pads. You will find that a 2’-3” elephant ear sponge will be helpful for throwing and sanding, and metal ribs as noted in the photo attached. In addition, people should bring their aprons, towels and the general tools that they are comfortable throwing with, e.g. needle tool and wire, wooden rib, sponge, etc. ***Most importantly, each person should bring a particle respirator (I strongly recommend a good one: not just a dust mask), and a cosmetic style brush to brush away the porcelain dust during the sanding stage. Class Date: March 13 and 14 Class time: 3/13 9-4 and 3/14 9-2 Location: 1174 South US 1 Vero Beach FL 32962 REGISTER |
MOLD MAKING |
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Join Ginny in making a two-part plaster mold which can be used for both pressing and slip casting in clay.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill Level: All Levels Cost: $45 Materials Fee: $10 Class Date: Saturday, March 21 Time: 10 - 2 Materials To Bring: Participants will need to bring a relatively simple shape to use for the mold. Doll heads work nicely. Can also be as simple as a geometric shape such as a ball or a box. Box must be made of something more substantial than cardboard. Objects must be no larger than 4" x 4" approximate. Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
BEGINNING POTTERY - TIME TO GET WHEEL |
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In this 8 week course we’ll focus on developing fundamental throwing skills on the potter’s wheel. Students will learn how to create a variety of basic forms including basic cylinders, bowls, and lidded jars. Whatever your level you’ll improve your skills, build confidence and have fun along the way.
Pre-Registration is required. Instructor: Nancy Blair Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate Cost: $240 Materials Fee: $25 for bag of clay to be purchased from IRC at first class Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12 Time: 1 to 4 PM Materials To Bring: Basic pottery tools. Location: 1174 S US 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 REGISTER |
We'll be adding more classes and events shortly, so keep checking our Facebook page and this site!
MORE ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS HERE
Indian River Clay Class Refund Policy
For cancellations up to one week before the first class day, a refund less $25 handling charge will be given. For cancellations from one week up to 24 hours before the start of class, credit will be given for a future class within 3 months of the class not attended. For cancellations 24 hours before the start of class and on, no refund will be issued.
For cancellations up to one week before the first class day, a refund less $25 handling charge will be given. For cancellations from one week up to 24 hours before the start of class, credit will be given for a future class within 3 months of the class not attended. For cancellations 24 hours before the start of class and on, no refund will be issued.
Are you interested in being an instructor?
We invite you to submit a proposal for a class of your design. We are now taking class proposals for October, November and December. Below are a few suggestions of classes we may be interested in. Please feel free to be creative with your class offerings.
• Beginner and intermediate wheel throwing
• Advance project class wheel throwing
• Hand-building – beginner and intermediate
• Exploring hand-building with coils
• Exploring hand-building with slabs
• Exploring hand-building with pinch pots
• Sculpture - vessels and figurative
• Glazing / decorating / surface treatment / transfers
Classes lengths can vary. We encourage you to consider offering day, night or weekend classes. All instructors will be required to submit the instructor’s agreement and indemnity forms downloadable below. If you have any questions, please contact the education committee at Indian River Clay. We look forward to reading your proposals and seeing you at Indian River Clay. Click here to fill out Class Proposal.
Are you interested in being an instructor?
We invite you to submit a proposal for a class of your design. We are now taking class proposals for October, November and December. Below are a few suggestions of classes we may be interested in. Please feel free to be creative with your class offerings.
• Beginner and intermediate wheel throwing
• Advance project class wheel throwing
• Hand-building – beginner and intermediate
• Exploring hand-building with coils
• Exploring hand-building with slabs
• Exploring hand-building with pinch pots
• Sculpture - vessels and figurative
• Glazing / decorating / surface treatment / transfers
Classes lengths can vary. We encourage you to consider offering day, night or weekend classes. All instructors will be required to submit the instructor’s agreement and indemnity forms downloadable below. If you have any questions, please contact the education committee at Indian River Clay. We look forward to reading your proposals and seeing you at Indian River Clay. Click here to fill out Class Proposal.
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