Rich Holck will oversee and guide you through the hands-on process of loading, firing, unloading, cleaning, and maintaining a wood kiln. Learn how to build the fire and operate the kiln at each stage, read the atmosphere of the kiln to time your stokes, and how to place wood across the width of the firebox to maintain even heat. Gain understanding of how kiln oxygen levels may fluctuate and ways of controlling oxygen levels by adjusting dampers and air openings. Consider factors like the quantity of wood per stoke, stoking frequency, and the size and type of wood to use. When introducing salt into the chamber, discuss its effects on the pottery, kiln, and kiln furniture. During unloading, observe the results of your collective efforts on the finished works, and how the process details come together to shape the end result.

In this workshop, Taylor will demonstrate how she layers surface decoration techniques at the leather soft, leather hard, and bone dry stages to create colorful, tactile porcelain pottery. Slip trailing, refining by carving, and underglaze painting with paper resists will be covered. Strategies for choosing color palettes, fixing or incorporating mistakes, and composing a compelling surface will be discussed. These techniques can also be applied to stoneware.

Taylor Sijan is a full-time studio artist from Catawba Island, Ohio. She earned a BFA in 3-D Arts from Bowling Green State University (2016), completed two years of post-baccalaureate study in ceramics at Wichita State University (2016-2018), and obtained an MFA with ceramics emphasis from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2021). She has taught workshops at institutions including Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft, Peters Valley School of Craft, Gasworks NYC, The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, Touchstone Center for Crafts, Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, and Wooten Clayworks. 

Capture the enchantment of the winter season in this special holiday edition of the Wool Watercolor workshop. Under the guidance of wool artist Maria Gio, you’ll explore a one-of-a-kind fiber art technique that brings festive scenes to life through layered wool fibers. Think snow-covered landscapes, glowing candles, or holiday greenery—all with a soft, dimensional effect. You'll create a piece that celebrates the warmth and magic of the season, ready to display or share as a heartfelt gift. All materials provided, Materials fee of $40

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Celebrate the holiday season with art, cocoa, and cookies! In this festive workshop, we’ll paint cozy still scenes from favorite Holiday movies such as A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and more. As we sip hot cocoa and enjoy a potluck of sweet treats, we’ll learn how to transform complex images into simple, approachable shapes using opaque watercolor. Step by step, we’ll add layers of detail to bring these classic holiday moments to life, creating cheerful, nostalgic works of art perfect for the season.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Design and create your own unique ceramic planter in this hands-on workshop! Using slab construction techniques, you’ll learn how to build, shape, and assemble a one-of-a-kind planter perfect for your favorite plants. Explore surface textures, decorative elements, and finishing techniques to personalize your piece. Whether you’re new to ceramics or looking to expand your skills, this workshop offers a fun and creative way to craft a functional work of art. By the end, you'll take home a handcrafted planter ready to add a touch of greenery to your space!

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!