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Classes 

Summer 2013 Classes

NCC’s education programs are for clay enthusiasts of all ages and interests. We provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse and talented mix of teaching artists. These classes — for adults who have never touched clay, for skilled artisans, or for families looking for a weekend adventure — introduce dozens of interesting topics and serve a variety of commitment levels: from one day to 10 weeks and from hands-on instruction to gallery presentations.

NCC now offers more options for beginning students, meaning smaller class sizes and more hands-on instruction for you! Adult students enjoy open access to our studios from 9 am – 9 pm, 5 days each week (and from 9 am – midnight on Thursdays), and additional hours on weekends.

Classes marked with the ART@HAND icon are designed and easily accessible for older adults. Find out more about our ART@HAND programs.

This list may also include some spring workshops in May and June, such as our Special Topics Workshops, Family Workshops, Crafternoon, Clay for Couples and The Hot Seat: Kiln Firing 101.

Most Summer classes meet for 10 weeks, from June 17 – August 18.
Summer class registration begins Tuesday, May 21 at 10 am.

Click below to jump to a section of the schedule:
Introductory | Wheel | Handbuilding | Special Topics | Adult Workshops 
Special Topics Workshops | Classes and Workshops for Families | Teen

INTRODUCTORY

Want to learn the basics of making clay art? Try one of these introductory classes that focus on construction and glazing techniques. These classes have fewer students, ensuring plenty of student to teacher contact time, and they are shorter, making them ideal if you have little or no experience with clay and want to test your interest. Get your hands wet during five weeks of instruction. We recommend that students take this class two or more times (within one quarter, or over consecutive quarters) to build their skills and prepare for beginner-level classes. Wear old clothes and bring a one-gallon bucket, an old towel, and a beginner’s set of pottery tools to the first class. Registration includes one bag of clay (25 pounds), all glazing materials, firings, and open studio access.

Land of Round Pots – Wheel Throwing 101 I1: Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Audra Smith June 17 – July 15 Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee I2: Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Audra Smith July 22 – August 19 Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee I3: Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm - Register Instructor: Mary Otremba June 22 – July 13 (meets for 4 weeks) Fee: $116 ($106 members) + $20 lab fee I4: Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm - Register Instructor: Mary Otremba July 27 – August 24 Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee

Continents of Clay – Handbuilding 101 I5: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Elizabeth Coleman June 19 – July 17 Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee I6: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Angela Renee July 24 – August 21 Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee Also check out our series of one-day workshops listed below, ideal for makers with little or no previous experience.

WHEEL

We recommend that students begin their study at NCC with an introductory experience in clay, such as our one-day workshops or 5-week classes (above). Beginner Pottery will take your skill set to the next level and you may move on from there to intermediate and advanced topics. Our education manager will happily assist you in identifying the appropriate class via phone or e-mail; call 612.339.8007 x314 or email education@northernclaycenter.org.

BEGINNER POTTERY Discover the secrets of making great pots on the potter’s wheel. Learn techniques for throwing bowls, cups, vases, and more. You will learn surface treatments such as glazing, staining, and slipping; the course will also include an introduction to firing procedures. Dress for mess and bring a one-gallon bucket, an old towel, and a beginner’s set of pottery tools to the first class. Designed for those with some previous clay experience. W1: Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Joel Froehle June 17 – August 19 Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee W2: Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Lucy Yogerst June 20 – August 22 (No class Independence Day; meets for 9 weeks) Fee: $255 ($240 members) + $40 lab fee

ADVANCED BEGINNER POTTERY Take your skills to the next level as you learn additional techniques for throwing more complicated forms such as faceted bowls, handled mugs, footed plates, and some altered forms. Advance your understanding of trimming and of glaze, stain, and slip application. The course will also include more information about firing procedures and instruction on the differences between low- and high-temperature clay bodies and glazes. Designed for those who have taken several Beginner Pottery classes. W3: Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Chris Singewald June 18 – August 20 Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee W4: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: David Swenson June 19 – August 21 Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED POTTERY Expand your knowledge of throwing techniques as you improve your technical skills and diversify your repertoire of forms, surface decoration, and glazing methods. You will focus on the development of beautifully balanced pots that work both technically and visually, while refining your skills at forming cohesive pots, including handles, feet, lids, rims, and alteration techniques. Designed for those who have taken several wheel-throwing classes. W5: Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Kevin Caufield June 18 – August 20 Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee W6: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm (focus on throwing and alteration techniques) - Register Instructor: Claire O’Connor June 19 – August 21 Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee

HANDBUILDING

Interested in handbuilt pottery? Sign up for any handbuilding class to gain access to our studio and time with a teaching artist.

The Art of Display: Handbuilt Vases and Flower Boxes Create beautiful, functional pottery forms to display the bounties of your garden, while using pinching, coil building, and slab construction techniques. Build on your basic skills while focusing on the creation of vases and other centerpieces. Class will include a flower-arranging workshop with a talented designer (to be named!). Designed for those with some previous clay experience. H1: Mondays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: TBD June 17 – August 19 Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee

Climb Inside: Ceramic Boxes Learn to make boxes using both handbuilding and throwing methods. Make lids that fit and function. Create beautifully decorated boxes with hard- or soft-slab techniques, throwing, and more. Previous wheel-throwing experience is required. H2: Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Angela Renee June 18 – July 16 (meets for 5 weeks) Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee

Verticality The sky’s the limit in this class devoted to building taller forms through the use of armatures, stackable sections, and combinations of other methods and materials. Whether you build a larger-than-life vase, a birdbath, a pair of giraffes, or your Uncle Peter, demonstrations will help you achieve taller projects. Previous clay experience is required. H3: Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Elizabeth Coleman July 23 – August 20 (meets for 5 weeks) Fee: $145 ($135 members) + $20 lab fee Take these 5-week classes back-to-back, or sign up for a session of Continents of Clay to continue building on your skills.

SPECIAL TOPICS

Surface Matters What happens next on the surface of your forms? Practice techniques for drawing and texturing to express yourself and enhance your work. Topics will range from slip techniques (mishima inlay, sgrafitto, stenciling) to drawing with underglaze pencils and oxides, terra sigilattas, and decals. T1: Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Ginny Sims June 20 – August 22 (No class Independence Day; meets for 9 weeks) Fee: $255 ($240 members) + $40 lab fee

Prints and Images on Clay Learn and experiment with different ways of applying the printed medium onto ceramic forms. Print directly onto a clay surface using silk-screen, lithography, relief, and paper transfer techniques. Source your images from drawing, carving, digital, and photo methods. Students will explore ceramic forms specifically designed for images, and images specifically designed for their ceramic forms. Investigate over-glaze processes and possibilities. Previous clay experience is required; print experience is not. Open to handbuilders and wheel-throwers. T2: Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register Instructor: Anna Metcalfe June 20 – August 22 (No class Independence Day; meets for 9 weeks) Fee: $255 ($240 members) + $50 lab fee Some special materials and firings will be provided for this class; optional tools will be discussed.

Soda-Firing Methods In-class demonstrations and lectures on form, surface, and historical context will help you prepare for success as you surrender your work to the “kiln gods.” The class will discuss techniques for three weeks in the studio and have instruction on the firing process during three firing dates. Students may choose which firings to participate in according to their own schedules. Designed for those who are at intermediate to advanced levels, or those wishing to gain experience firing kilns. Previous soda experience is not required. Throwers and handbuilders welcome. Tentative Class Schedule Studio: June 21 Studio: June 28 First firing: Load date July 20, fire date July 21, unload date July 23 Studio: August 2 Second Firing: Load August 9, fire August 10, unload August 12 Final Firing: Load August 23, fire August 24, unload August 26 T3: Fridays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm - Register June 21 – August 23 Instructor: Daniel Gardner Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $85 lab fee This class meets for 54 hours of instruction on studio and firing techniques.

All Clay, All Day – Week-long Clay Intensive Get your throwing “in shape” this summer with this all-day, week-long class under the direction of Leila Denecke. This class takes place in an air-conditioned studio. Students will work on developing skills related to consistency and on throwing pottery that functions in sets. Students will throw pots, using de-aired, recycled stoneware clay. Designed for students of all levels who want to become better potters. Class size is limited to 8 students. Session includes daily lunch breaks; bring your own lunch. T4: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4:30 pm - Register June 17 – 21 Instructor: Leila Denecke Fee: $290 ($270 members) + $40 lab fee

ADULT WORKSHOPS

5 Centers, 5 Weeks, 5 Media Work and routine wearing you out? Tired of cooking up art with the same old ingredients? Join this class and experience a veritable banquet of creative techniques, as you sample the offerings of five different centers for art. Northern Clay Center, IFP Media Arts, Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and Textile Center join forces for a multimedia exploration of clay, book-making, textiles, filmmaking, and printmaking. Each session will take place at a different art center and will include a brief tour of the Center and hands-on, medium-specific work with a professional artist. Participants will be encouraged to stretch their creative muscles and to take risks with new art forms. You will walk away from the class with four completed projects, renewed creativity, and perhaps, a lifelong passion for a new art form. After registration, participants will receive a schedule and map for each location. Class meets in the order of the organizations listed above. X1: Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm - Register July 9 – August 6 Fee: $195 ($175 members)

Art Camp for Educators — 5 Centers, 5 Weeks, 5 Media The Five Centers for Art (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, IFP Media Arts, Textile Center, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and Northern Clay Center) announce a special educational opportunity for Minnesota art educators. You are invited to attend a progressive arts experience as you travel to each of the five art centers for intriguing medium-specific demonstrations and hands-on art-making. See examples of contemporary fibers and textiles, prints, book arts, and pots and sculpture. Learn new techniques to enhance your classroom instruction. You’ll also get to know other art educators in your community. This is a great opportunity to learn some new tricks of the trade and to earn continuing education clock hours at the same time! Participants will receive a schedule and map for each location after registration. Camp meets in the order of the organizations listed above. X2: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 pm - Register August 5 – 9 Fee: $195 ($175 members)

Crafternoon & Crafterdark Pottery Workshops Bring your creative friends and make a few new ones as you learn the secrets of throwing pottery on the wheel. This three-hour workshop is a fun and messy introduction to clay, and it includes all the materials you will need. Students can expect to make 3 to 5 pots and decorate them using colored slips or textures. Your pots will be ready to pick up two weeks later. SPRINGX3: Friday, June 7, 7 – 10 pm - register X3: Saturday, July 6, 7 – 10 pm - Register X4: Saturday, August 3, 7 – 10 pm - Register X5: Friday, August 23, 7 – 10 pm - Register Instructor: Matthew Krousey or Audra Smith Fee: $30 per person, per session

Clay for Couples Looking for a unique date night activity that is sure to impress your mate? Look no further than NCC’s original Clay for Couples. Sign up with your special friend and learn the secrets of throwing pottery on the wheel in a fun and relaxed environment. Already attended a session? Sign up again and take your skills to the next level. Fee includes instruction and materials. Pots will be ready to pick up about two weeks later. SPRINGX7: Friday, May 31, 7 –10 pm - register   X6: Friday, June 28, 7 – 10 pm - Register X7: Saturday, July 13, 7 – 10 pm - Register X8: Friday, August 9, 7 – 10 pm - Register Instructor: Matthew Krousey or Audra Smith Fee: $60 per couple, per session

SPECIAL TOPICS WORKSHOPS

Personalized Pavers Use different colored clays to draw images and words into pavers for your garden. You could have a “fossil” of a fern, fish, or friend, just to name a few. SPRINGX14: Saturday, May 25, 2 – 5 pm - register Instructor: Glynnis Lessing Fee: $30 per person

Details, Details: Handle/Foot-a-thon Details, Details workshops focus on the details of constructed functional work. Students will broaden their repertoire of forms while advancing their construction techniques with the ultimate goal of developing a more individual style. Create unique handles and feet to personalize your work. X9: Saturday, July 27, 10 am – 1 pm - Register Instructor: Marion Angelica Fee: $25 per person (special summer deal!)

Effigy Pots Effigy pots are said to contain the energy of a person, animal, plant, or god. Make a container in the shape of any living thing you choose and learn about these historical pots through the lens of many cultures. Pots will be bisque fired, but not glazed. X10: Saturday, July 27, 2 – 4 pm - Register Instructor: Glynnis Lessing Fee: $25 per person (special summer deal!)

Healing Hearts In this two-day workshop, create realistic hearts imprinted with healing words and stories. Teaching artist Angela Renee uses the therapeutic process of clay to embody and work through personal stories of struggle and healing. In an intimate and supportive environment, tell your story with stamped words and colors. X11: Sunday, August 18, 1 – 4 pm (constructing) and Saturday, August 24, 2 – 4 pm (glazing) - Register Instructor: Angela Renee Fee: $45 per person

Glaze Formulation with Dr. Carty Alfred University’s professor of ceramic engineering is coming back to Minneapolis by popular demand! Join Dr. William Carty for a four-day glaze intensive, as you learn glaze and clay body formulation, how to control and predict the texture of glazes, how to develop experimental and testing approaches, and how to diagnose glaze problems. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, lab time, and discussion, you will develop an understanding of the raw materials used in ceramics, from a scientific perspective. This workshop is for intermediate/advanced ceramic students and professional ceramic artists. See our website for more details. X12: Thursday, August 8 – Sunday, August 11, 9 am – 5 pm daily - Register Instructor: Dr. William Carty Fee: $325 ($300 members)

Back by popular demand The Hot Seat: Kiln-Firing 101 — Great for art educators! Learn the basics of firing your own kiln in this one-day workshop. We will learn firing methods for an electric bisque kiln and a cone 10 gas reduction firing. In addition to checking temperature and atmosphere, we will cover different styles of kilns, firing speeds, electrical requirements, and basic troubleshooting. The workshop is led by NCC’s studio technicians, who fire multiple kilns every month. This workshop does not authorize NCC students to fire our kilns independently, but is helpful for educators and anyone hoping to become an NCC studio artist. 9 am – 12 pm:    Gas kiln firing and loading 12 – 1 pm:     Lunch on your own 1 – 4 pm:     Electric kiln loading, programming,         firing, troubleshooting         Continuation of reduction firing 4pm – finish:     Finishing cone 10 firing All day gas and electric firing SPRINGX16: Saturday, May 25, 9 am – 6 pm - register Instructor: Jeanine Hill Fee: $80 Electric kiln only SPRINGX17: Saturday, May 25, 1 – 4 pm - register Instructor: Jeanine Hill Fee: $40 All day gas and electric firing X13: Saturday, August 10, 9 am – 6 pm - Register Instructor: Jeanine Hill Fee: $80 Electric kiln only X14: Saturday, August 10, 1 – 4 pm - Register Instructor: Chris Singewald Fee: $40

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES

For all family classes, children must be accompanied by an adult. Neither children, nor adults will have access to open studio time during the quarter. Weekend workshops are open to everyone aged 6 and up.

Buggin' Out Are you feeling antsy and crawling up the wall now that school is out? Buzz, fly, or crawl on over to NCC and build trays, plates, and bowls inspired by insects and bugs. Learn basic handbuilding and decorating techniques with colored slips. All skills and ages 6 and up welcome. Saturday, June 8 Instructor: Eileen Cohen SPRINGF8: 10 am – 1 pm  register SPRINGF9: 2 – 5 pm   register Fee: $45 for two people, $20 additional participants

Throwing Together Parents and kids (ages 9 and up). Spend a little Q.T. together learning a new skill. Learn to make basic cylinders, bowls, plates, and more, using the potter’s wheel. Stoneware clay and glazes will be used. Wear old clothes and bring a one-gallon bucket and an old towel for each participant. Please note: class sessions are designed to allow parents and children to work side-by-side in a collaborative environment. F1: Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm - Register Instructor: Elizabeth Coleman June 22 – August 17 (No class July 20; meets for 8 weeks) Fee: $145 ($135 members) per participant

Greatest Plate on Earth More peas please! The fussiest eaters will relent when given a chance to design their very own plate. You have permission to play with your food as you decide how to arrange and portion food on your plate. Imagine if your plate was a train, transporting mashed potatoes to your table, or a dancing bear, delivering eggs and toast for breakfast. You’ll learn how to use slabs and colored slip to create the plate of your dreams for your favorite meals. All skills and ages (over 6) are welcome. Saturday, June 29 Instructor: Eileen Cohen F2: 10 am – 1 pm - Register F3: 2 pm – 5 pm - Register Fee: $45 for two people, $20 additional participants

Take Cover! You can run but you can’t hide — unless, of course, you make a covered container! Conceal tasty treats, precious loot, or your favorite things as you learn how to build lidded vessels or boxes using slab construction. At the end of class, decorate your creations with colored slips. All skills and ages (over 6) are welcome. Sunday, July 14 Instructor: Eileen Cohen F4: 10 am – 1 pm - Register F5: 2 pm – 5 pm - Register Fee: $45 for two people, $20 additional participants

The Great Minnesota Throw-Together What’s the best way to get ready for the MN State Fair? Spending a few hours with your family behind the potter’s wheel at NCC of course! Explore the basics of wheel throwing as you center clay and shape it into cylinders and bowls. At the end of class, decorate your creations with colored slips. All skills and ages (9 and up) welcome. Saturday, August 17 Instructor: Eileen Cohen F6: 10 am – 1 pm - Register F7: 2 pm – 5 pm - Register Fee: $45 for two people, $20 additional participants

TEEN

Get Behind the Wheel For ages 13 to 17. Learn the fundamental techniques of throwing basic forms on the potter’s wheel and creating surface decoration using glazes, slips, and applied elements. Create a series of functional pots with high-temperature clay bodies. Wear old clothes and bring a one-gallon bucket and an old towel to the first class (NCC will provide tools).  Y1: Saturdays, 1 – 3 pm - Register Instructor: Audra Smith June 22 – August 17 (No class July 20; meets for 8 weeks) Fee: $200 ($180 members)