Ceramics
Our Ceramics Department is one of the oldest and most well established departments at Southwest School of Art and serves nearly 500 adult students each year in a positive, creative, community atmosphere. The ceramics program offers classes on hand-building, wheel-throwing, raku, glazing, digital embellishments and much more. Students also have the opportunity to participate and learn from visiting artists during workshops that are offered frequently throughout the year.
Ceramics Note
Students registering for ceramic classes should be physically capable of lifting up to 25 lbs. Intermediate and advanced students will be required to spend time outside of the scheduled class period to load, fire, and unload kilns (under appropriate supervision).
Studio Access
Our ceramics building features door code access. Registered students should contact the Office of the Registrar at 210.200.8217 or 8227, prior the first class to receive the current access code.
Ceramics Material List
Material list is either listed in the class description, will be discuss during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Registration
Fall 2018 priority registration for Members opens online Tues, August 7th at 9:00am. General registration starts Tues, August 14th.
Ceramics Course Descriptions
1001 | Introduction to Wheelthrowing
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Kimberly Rumfelt
Dates: Mon, 9/17/2018 to 12/3/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Wheelthrowing Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $340.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $325.00
This class will focus on the basic skills of wheelthrowing - centering, opening, and pulling vessels - followed by learning to form bowls, cylinders, and cups. Students will also learn to evaluate form and how form serves a vessel's function while working in stoneware clay and high-temperature glazes.
1030a | Throwing Skills: Everyday Pots
Level: Intermediate | Instructor: Andre Bally
Dates: Tues, 9/18/2018 to 12/4/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Wheelthrowing Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $350.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $335.00
Focus on expanding and refining throwing skills while concentrating on specific thrown forms. Presentations and discussion will help students understand how to throw and construct vessels that integrate form with function. NOTE: Section A will focus on everyday pots while developing skills like throwing off the hump and measuring to create a unified set. Section B will focus on everyday pots while developing techniques to throw larger forms for use. Students will also be introduced to an array of surface decoration techniques and how to load and unload downdraft gas kilns. Prerequisites: Students must have had at least two Introduction to Throwing classes.
1030b | Throwing Skills: Everyday Pots
Level: Intermediate | Instructor: Benner Barclay
Dates: Thurs, 9/20/2018 to 12/6/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Wheelthrowing Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $330.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $315.00
Focus on expanding and refining throwing skills while concentrating on specific thrown forms. Presentations and discussion will help students understand how to throw and construct vessels that integrate form with function. NOTE: Section A will focus on everyday pots while developing skills like throwing off the hump and measuring to create a unified set. Section B will focus on everyday pots while developing techniques to throw larger forms for use. Students will also be introduced to an array of surface decoration techniques and how to load and unload downdraft gas kilns. Prerequisites: Students must have had at least two Introduction to Throwing classes. No class Nov 1 & 22.
1053 | Bottles and Vases
Level: New | Intermediate/Advanced | Instructor: Blake Kennedy
Dates: Wed, 9/19/2018 to 12/5/2018 | 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Studio: Wheelthrowing Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $345.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $330.00
This class will explore the ceramic vessel by focusing on the vase and bottle form. Emphasis will be placed on expanding the students' technical capabilities while challenging assumptions of what a vessel can be. Techniques will include throwing two-piece forms and double-walled construction while also demonstrating how to create dynamic volume within the pieces. Work will be fired in the high-fire temperature range. Students should have a strong foundation in throwing and be prepared to work on projects outside of class meetings. Prerequisite: Students must have had a minimum experience of two intermediate wheelthrowing courses. See *CERAMIC NOTE. No class Nov 21.
1060 | Building: Combining Handbuilding and Wheel
Level: New | Intermediate | Instructor: John Nelson
Dates: Mon, 9/17/2018 to 12/3/2018 | 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Studio: Wheelthrowing Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $350.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $335.00
In this class, students will use a variety of handbuilding and wheelthrowing techniques to create unique and personal forms. Individual attention will be given to each student to guide them in developing their projects using the skills that are best suited for their ideas. Demonstrations in both handbuilding and wheelthrowing will be covered and students will have the freedom to explore how to use these techniques to create personal forms. Students will also be introduced to an array of surface decoration techniques and how to load and unload downdraft gas kilns. Prerequisites: Students must have had at least two Introduction to Wheel Throwing and one Handbuilding classes.
1064 | Handbuilding: Modular Parts
Level: Intermediate | Instructor: Cecilia Castro-Hancock
Dates: Tues, 9/18/2018 to 12/4/2018 | 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Studio: Handbuilding Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $345.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $330.00
In this class, students will improve basic handbuilding skills (pinch, coil, and slab techniques) by creating small modular forms. These forms will then be assembled to form a larger sculpture. Students will explore different techniques for creating organic and geometric forms with emphasis placed on concept development and technical aspects of attaching parts together by using various means: wire, zip ties, metal rods, and cords. Surfaces will be finished using studio slips, underglazes, and a clear glaze. All works will be fired in electric kilns to cone 5. Students should expect to finish two projects of their choice: wall pieces, self standing, or installation. There will be additional cost for non-ceramic materials. See *CERAMIC NOTE. Prerequisite: Students must have completed introduction to handbuilding.
1071 | Porcelain
Level: Intermediate | Instructor: Ray Morales
Dates: Thurs, 9/20/2018 to 12/6/2018 | 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Studio: Wheelthrowing Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $345.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $330.00
Looking for an alternative to brown stoneware clays? We will cover the fundamentals and intricacies of working with porcelain clay bodies for the intermediate to advanced potter/artist. Demonstrations and lectures in wheelthrowing techniques for functional work, with the addition of simple altering techniques such as, cutting, stamping, assembling will be presented to help students add personal flair to their work. We will also focus on glaze finishing techniques, and explore new/old glazes that the class will mix and use to highlight porcelain's cleaner and brighter palette in the cone 10 gas kiln firing. See* CERAMIC NOTE. Prerequisite: Students should have a minimum of one intermediate wheelthrowing classes. No class Nov 22.
1073 | Handbuilding: Earthenware Vessels
Level: Beginning/Intermediate | Instructor: Verena Gaudy
Dates: Wed, 9/19/2018 to 12/5/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Handbuilding Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $340.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $325.00
Handbuilding is an ancient pottery making technique that involves creating forms without the means of a pottery wheel. Using hands, fingers and some simple tools, students will learn forming methods (pinching and coiling) to create contemporary ceramic vessels. Students will be introduced to various surface decorating techniques-texturing, carving, imprinting, and a variety of slip application methods-mishima, slip trailing, wax resist, and more. Low-fire red clay, slips and low-fire glazes will be used. All work will be fired in electric kilns. No class Nov 21.
1102 | Handbuilding 101: Classic Pottery Forms
Level: New | Beginner | Instructor: Ethan Gonzales
Dates: Tues, 9/18/2018 to 10/23/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Handbuilding Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $215.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $200.00
Ever feel like you were born in the wrong era? Embrace the Classical Age and learn the techniques used by the ancient Greeks to make your own illustrated pottery. We will cover basic hand-building skills, like coil building and slab building, along with decorative techniques to depict your own heroic tales. You will take a trip to San Antonio Museum of Art to learn about Terra Sigillata (sealed earth) and how the Greeks turned it from a red material into a black surface. Tuition includes up to one bag of low-fire clay, glaze materials, and use of tools. Additional clay and tools are available for purchase from the Ceramic studio.
1103 | Handbuilding 101: Coffee Time
Level: New | Beginner | Instructor: Ethan Gonzales
Dates: Tues, 10/30/2018 to 12/4/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Handbuilding Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $215.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $200.00
Obsessed with brewing the perfect cup of coffee? Or just really into hand-crafted everything? Socialize with new creative people and learn to craft a pour over coffee set (coffee dripper, carafe, and cup) using simple slab techniques. Tuition includes up to one bag of cone 5 stoneware clay, glaze materials, and use of tools. Additional clay and tools are available for purchase from the Ceramic studio.
1105a | Ceramics 101: Handbuilding
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Audrey LeGalley
Dates: Mon, 9/17/2018 to 10/22/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Handbuilding Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $215.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $200.00
Ceramics 101: Handbuilding is for those looking for a creative outlet to start the week off right. Through a simple pinching process you will learn how to make unique, handmade forms that can be used as small dishes, planters, spice bowls and much more for home or office. This class will be a simple, relaxing place to chat and create while producing some ceramic pieces. NOTE: Section A will use a mid-range stoneware claybody and Section B will use a mid-range porcelain claybody. Sign up for both to learn the unique properties inherent in the different clays and firing temperatures. Tuition includes up to one bag of cone 5 clay, glaze materials, and use of tools. Additional clay and tools are available for purchase from the ceramics studio.
1105b | Ceramics 101: Handbuilding
Level: Beginning | Instructor: Audrey LeGalley
Dates: Mon, 10/29/2018 to 12/3/2018 | 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Studio: Handbuilding Studio | Building: McAllister Building
Tuition: $215.00 | Members/Seniors (65+): $200.00
Ceramics 101: Handbuilding is for those looking for a creative outlet to start the week off right. Through a simple pinching process you will learn how to make unique, handmade forms that can be used as small dishes, planters, spice bowls and much more for home or office. This class will be a simple, relaxing place to chat and create while producing some ceramic pieces. NOTE: Section A will use a mid-range stoneware claybody and Section B will use a mid-range porcelain claybody. Sign up for both to learn the unique properties inherent in the different clays and firing temperatures. Tuition includes up to one bag of cone 5 clay, glaze materials, and use of tools. Additional clay and tools are available for purchase from the ceramics studio.