Clay Slab House Tiles
Sat., February 26 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Ages 6-8 $7
Using a variety of clay building techniques students will design a building facade.
This four day course is a brief introduction to throwing pottery
on the wheel and hand building techniques, wrapped
up with finishing green-ware and glazing bisque-ware. The
first three weeks will focus on building clay sculptures and
the last week will focus on glazing. Students can picked
up final fired work one week after last class. Materials
included, open studio time encouraged.
West Michigan Potters Guild
February 4 through 23
Reception: Saturday, February 23 – 10:00 a.m. – Noon
This exhibit showcases a selection of WMPG members creating clay work in a wide variety of processes and styles. Stop in and expand your knowledge of ceramics and support these West Michigan artists!
West Michigan Potters Guild began in 1983 as a group of clay artists organized to improve their own ceramic skills by providing a stimulating and inspirational discussion of technical problems, mutual interests and shared successes, also to acquaint the general public with standards, ethics and appreciation of ceramic art. This is accomplished through lectures, discussions, seminars, workshops and group exhibitions. These events are organized and sponsored by the guild and its members. Membership is open to all who are interested in the goals of this organization. The guild is currently over 80 members who specialize in a variety of firing techniques and construction methods in both functional and non-functional forms. The public is invited to attend workshops and bi-annual shows sponsored by the guild and experience the wealth of talent and knowledge that this guild has to offer.
Charter members of this organization have seen many changes, from a beginning of less that one dozen the guild has now grown to over 70 members. The guild sponsors and organizes two members sales each year. The Spring Show is held in April and the Fall Show in November at the St. Nicholas Antioichian Orthodox Church. Each show is an opportunity for art patrons to see the amazing diversity of technique and product. The guild sponsors 1 or 2 workshops each year. These educational workshops bring icons of the ceramic world, to demonstrate their own approach to this art form. Monthly meetings are held at members studios or community centers in the West Michigan area.
Members participating in this exhibit include:
Neven Allan
Thursday 6:00-7:30 p.m.
April 27
Class Fee: $5/person
All ages
Enjoy a family evening at the NCCA-Artsplace. We will have the clay, the instructor, the glazes and the tools. You bring the family. Learn basic handbuilding techniques and then have fun building a variety of pieces. Groups of 5 or more please call ahead. Finished pieces will be available for pick up after May 8.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
March 11, 25
Class Fee: $85($80 Members)
Ages 14-Adult
This class is for the person who wants to learn the basics of throwing a piece of pottery on the wheel or would like to refresh their wheel skills. Learn to center the clay, pull up the walls, trim the bottom and also learn about the glazing process. This class is spread out over two weeks so participants have the opportunity to practice independently in our Pottery Place. One specific goal in the class is to learn to form a well designed handled mug. Class size is limited to 3.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
August 13, 27
Class Fee: $85($80 Members)
Ages 14-Adult
Prerequisite: Previous pottery wheel experience required
Are you ready to take your wheel throwing to the next
level? Join ceramic artist, Dakota Brandt, and prepare to
explore new techniques such as creating lidded jars and
pulling handles. In between class sessions, students
may continue to work in our Pottery Place and practice
these techniques. Class fee includes use of clay during
the duration of class. Class size limited to 3.
Monday 6:00-8:00 p.m.
February 22, 29, March 7
Class Fee: $70 ($65 Members)
Ages 14-Adult
Come and get your hands dirty while playing with clay. In
this class students will use stoneware clay to try a variety
of handbuilding techniques such as slab building, coil pots,
pinch pots, drape molds and glaze application. Call a teen
or a friend and take this class together.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
February 6, 20
Class Fee: $85($80 Members)
Ages 14-Adult
Prerequisite: previous pottery wheel experience required
Are you ready to take your wheel throwing to the next
level? Join ceramic artist, Dakota Brandt, and prepare
to explore new techniques such as creating lidded jars
and pulling handles. In between class sessions students
may continue to work in our pottery place and practice
these techniques. Class fee includes up to 25# of clay per
person. Class size limed to 3.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. September 19, October 3
Ages 12-Adult
Take this opportunity to learn a new skill – wheel thrown pottery. In this class students will learn the basics of wheel throwing including centering, opening, pulling walls of even thickness and basic shaping and trimming. The goal of the class is to teach the steps necessary so that students can continue working independently. The first and second class are spaced a week apart to allow for independent practice time. Class fee includes up to 25# of clay per person. Class size limited to 3.