Ceramics: Charms & Small Adnornments
Adult Summer Class | Registration opens Monday, May 4, 2026 8:00 AM EDT
Explore the process of designing and creating small-scale ceramic charms for jewelry, keychains, and other decorative applications. Participants will develop foundational skills in working with clay while progressing through the full making process—from handbuilding and surface design to underglazing and finishing. The course includes dedicated studio time to experiment, refine ideas, and produce a small collection of unique finished pieces. Essential materials such as high-temperature kiln wire and bead trees will be introduced to support safe and effective firing of small works.
What You Will Learn:
- Fundamentals of working with clay for small-scale forms
- Handbuilding techniques for ceramic charms
- Surface design using texture, carving, and underglaze
- Planning and producing small wearable or functional objects
- Use of high-temperature kiln wire and bead trees for firing
Firing Schedule: All work should be placed on the bisque firing shelf by Friday, July 10 and on the glaze firing shelf by Friday, July 17 to guarantee it will be fired by the last week of classes. Students can continue to drop off work for glaze firing until Friday, July 31. Finished work can be picked up during operational hours between terms, or the following term. We will store unclaimed work for one term only. Questions about the firing schedule can be directed to Scott Cooper, Senior Studio Technician, at scooper@fleisher.org.
All artwork and supplies must be removed from Fleisher’s Ceramics Studio shelving by Friday, July 31 regardless of Fall 2026 registration status.
Accessibility Note: This studio is accessible by elevator, but some auxiliary areas require stairs. For access needs or accommodations, contact adulteducation@fleisher.org.
- 12.5lbs of earthenware clay is included in your registration - no outside clay is permitted (prolific students may purchase additional clay from Fleisher)
- Basic handbuilding tools (loop tools, needle tool, carving tools)
- Small brushes
- Apron or studio clothing
- Small containers for storing wet/dry work
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Justin Fargiano
Justin Fargiano is an artist, filmmaker, and animator currently living in Philadelphia, PA.
https://www.jfarge.com/