Pre-College: Ceramics Course

This course will immerse you in ceramics through its tactile materials, numerous building methods, and glazing and firing processes and will emphasize design, craftsmanship, and incorporating technology. We will investigate forms and translate concepts while utilizing the ceramic processes: wheel throwing, coil and slab building, mold making, image transfer, and extruding. These techniques will be thoroughly demonstrated in conjunction with a rigorous studio schedule for each student to individually communicate their ideas. In our glaze lab, we will make cone 10 (2350° F) reduction glazes and slips, and you will learn how to load and fire electric and gas kilns. Emphasis will be placed on finding personal expression in terms of form, function, and surface design through ceramics.

The ceramics studio at the Cleveland Institute of Art is well equipped for all levels of ceramic work and a full scope of techniques. In our kiln room we can fire as few as one piece at a time in our tiny test kiln to hundreds in our energy efficient, computer controlled, 40 cubic foot Blaauw Kiln. Our facilities also merge with the glass studio which may allow for opportunities to work with the glass class and see your ideas cross into another medium.

This course is designed for emerging artists who are interested in becoming artist-designers, craftsmen, sculptors, specialists in architectural tile, art educators, etc. All experience levels are welcome.