Come make pots with us! You will learn and explore a technique that has been practiced in the country of Nigeria for centuries. In contrast with Western notions of ceramics, students will learn about African art and aesthetic and become familiar with the important role of the vessel in Nigerian culture and around the world.
Students should be advised that you do not need any prior art or ceramic background for this technique. Although this is a traditional practice and we want to keep it in its most authentic form - it is a very physical technique and can involve a lot of standing, leaning, bending and constant movement. Stretching before class is recommended. Please know your physical boundaries before entering the class.
What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to West African art and aesthetic.
- Construct a vessel to take home at the end of class
- Become proficient in the Traditional Nigerian Pottery technique
- Learn a new non-Western ceramic technique
- Learn the history, importance, beauty, and function of vessels in African and other cultures of the world
Firing Schedule: Once work is placed on the firing shelf, turnaround time is typically one week but may be longer depending on the thickness and size of the work, as well as overall studio production. All work must be placed on the bisque firing shelf by Friday, October 30, to guarantee firing before the final week of classes.
To accommodate increased demand at the end of the term, all work placed on the glaze firing shelf by Monday, November 16, is guaranteed to be ready for pickup by Friday, December 11. Work submitted after November 16 will be fired as studio capacity allows. Firings between semesters are less frequent and operate on a limited schedule, so work may not be available for pickup until studio hours between terms or the start of the following term.
Questions about the firing schedule may be directed to Scott Cooper, Senior Studio Technician, at scooper@fleisher.org.
All artwork, tools, and clay must be removed from the Fleisher Ceramics Studio shelving by the final class session, including by students registered for the Winter 2027 term. Unclaimed bisque or glaze work will be stored for one term only. Greenware will be discarded.
Accessibility Note: This studio is accessible by elevator, but some auxiliary areas require stairs. For access needs or accommodations, contact adulteducation@fleisher.org.
Please Note: There is no class scheduled for 9/21 (Yom Kippur) or 10/12 (Indigenous Peoples' Day).?