Art Center West – Adult Clay Classes

Class Schedule: Fall 2010 / Winter 2011
Fall classes begin the week of September 20th... registration begins August 2nd for res/ 9th for non- res
Winter classes begin the week of January 10th

Class Descriptions
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Wheel and Surface

Beginning Wheel

Students will explore form and surface in a demonstration-based atmosphere while learning to wedge, center, and throw basic forms such as mugs, bowls, and vases. This class is a must for the novices as it will focus on proper techniques that will be crucial as long as you aspire to make pottery on the wheel. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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All Levels Wheel
This course has something to offer students of all skill levels by nurturing the potential to grow creatively with the use of the pottery wheel. Instruction will be geared to the experience of the class and the individual. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Soda Aesthetics
This firing course is for intermediate to advanced students that wish to explore the potential of soda firing. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Raku
This class is for intermediate to advanced students that wish to explore the potential of raku and variations on the process. Both handbuilders and wheel throwers are encouraged to participate. Ages 18 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Beginning Handbuilding
This course will introduce the basics of handbuilding including pinch, coil, and slab construction, as well as a variety of surface and finishing options. Both sculptural and vessel options will be explored. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Intermediate and Advanced Handbuilding
Students will continue to refine their technical skills while exploring personal ideas and self expression. This course is formulated for the more experienced clay artists who wish to continue to improve their sensibility with clay while receiving helpful advice and constructive criticism. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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All Levels Handbuilding
Coursework will include a variety of handbuilding and surface techniques suitable for participants of all levels of experience. Instruction will be based on the needs of the class and the individual. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Figurative Sculpture
Working from a model and from memory, the figure will be explored through drawing exercises and modeling in clay. Personal symbolism, intuition, and creativity are the goals. Handbuilding experience is required. A model fee will be charged based on the number of students and must be paid at the first class meeting. Ages 21 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Mixed Media and Alternative Surfaces
This class is for students who wish to investigate mixed media surfaces for their sculptural work. We will experiment with a combination of ceramic and cold-worked materials. Students will be guided in the creation of their own sculptural work while building a vocabulary in color theory and learning about new materials and processes. Ages 14 and up, age on the date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Images on Clay
Through various ceramic processes students will learn to create two dimensional imagery on three dimentional objects. Focusing on stencils, print making techniques, underglaze painting, and sgraffito.
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Making Marks
This class will focus on the importance of drawing for all art forms; including clay. Sketchbook exercises will be connected directly to sculptural and functional clay forms. Basic handbuilding skills required. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Personal Guardian
After researching the use of guardians in historical cultures, the student will construct a guardian that expresses their personal life. All handbuilding techniques will be used and simple surface treatments will be explored to allow the strength of the form to excel. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Tile Time
Learn to design and produce tiles through various techniques. Instruction will include use of carved releif, molds, stamps, patterning, and surface treatment, and will be geared toward the skill level and intrests of the individual student. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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Ceramics for the Garden
Participants will explore the possibilities of creating unique garden sculptures, vessels for planting, and structures for outdoor spaces, and can expect to gain a foundation for the ceramic process while creating several projects in clay. No previous experience necessary. All levels. Ages 16 & up, age on date of class. Held at Art Center West.
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All classes are held at Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road in Leita Thompson Memorial Park.
Adult Clay classes are for ages 16 & up unless otherwise stated, age on date of class. The first fee listed is for Roswell Residents; the second fee is for Non-Residents. Adult Clay fees include a Studio Fee to cover the first 25 pounds of clay, glazes and firing. Additional clay and firing available for $25 per bag of clay, purchased through Art Center West. Adult Clay classes include weekly Open Studio Time, hours to be posted by the second week of classes. For more information on classes and registration, please call Art Center West at (770) 641-3990 or email aargentina@roswellgov.com