Fleisher Art Memorial | Ceramics: Handbuilding Intro

Ceramics: Handbuilding Intro

Adult Class | Available

Date: 1/7/2027-3/4/2027

Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM EDT on Th

iCalendar: Download iCalendar

Tuition $295.00

Member Tuition $275.00

Clay Fee: $25.00

Studio Fee: $50.00

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Ceramics: Handbuilding Intro

Adult Class | Available

Program Description

Explore the fundamentals of ceramic handbuilding in this introductory class! Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, students will learn to create forms using clay and develop the skills to bring their ideas to life. Experiment with different techniques to make functional and decorative objects while exploring the possibilities of shape, texture, and surface design. No prior experience is necessary.

What You Will Learn:
- Basic handbuilding techniques, including pinch, soft slab, and hard slab construction
- Scoring and joining techniques to build and assemble forms
- Using sketches and designs to guide the making process
- Exploring shape, texture, and surface decoration through carving and other techniques
- Glazing and underglaze techniques for finishing ceramic work

The studio fee covers the use of studio materials, glazing, and firing.

Who This Class is For:
True beginners and anyone looking to strengthen their ceramic skills. Questions about whether this class is right for you? Email adulteducation@fleisher.org.

Firing Schedule: All work should be placed on the bisque firing shelf by Friday, February 19, and on the glaze firing shelf by Friday, February 26 to guarantee it will be fired by the last week of classes. Students can continue to drop off work for glaze firing until Friday, March 8, however, finished work will be available for pick up during operational hours between terms, or the spring 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, tools, and clay must be removed from Fleisher’s Ceramics Studio shelving by Monday, March 8, unless registered for a ceramics class during the upcoming Spring 2026 term. Please leave a note with on your shelf if you are returning in the spring to ensure your items are not removed.

Accessibility Note: This studio is accessible by elevator, but some auxiliary areas of the Ceramics Studio require stairs. For access needs or accommodations, contact adulteducation@fleisher.org.

Special Notes

This is an in-person class. Please review our Safety Policies and Community Guidelines.

To make our classes and workshops accessible to everyone, Fleisher offers tuition assistance every term so that everyone can join our creative community. Tuition assistance applications can be completed once registration is open by clicking here.

Required Supplies

- 25lbs of earthenware clay is included in your registration - no outside clay is permitted (prolific students may purchase additional clay from Fleisher).
- A notepad and something to write with.
- Basic pottery tool kit: cutting wire, sponge, wooden knife, needle tool, wooden rib, metal rib, large and small trimming loops.

Instructor

Mackenzie Pikaart

Philadelphia-based artist Mackenzie Vaughan Pikaart’s work focuses on memories, the awareness of space, and creating visual platforms for statistics. She honed her craft while studying at The University of the Arts, receiving a BFA in Crafts concentrating in Ceramics. Since graduating Pikaart has become an accomplished collage, installation and sculpture artist. Some of Pikaart’s spectacular pieces have been shown throughout the greater Philadelphia area and in her home state of Connecticut. Now with Pikaart's home studio, at Black Hound Clay Studio, her focus is on creating dinnerware and wall pieces through the traditional Japanese technique of Nerikomi.
https://www.mvpstudio.me/