bcc curriculum

Please read the entire section below to understand our curriculum:

Learn the basic techniques:

Start and finish projects through a timeline.

Become familiar with terminology and tools.

Experience the excitement of transforming your projects through “heatwork”.  Share your experience with fellow students - take notes and get feedback. 

Begin building your repertoire and flexing those clay muscles!  

Basic Courses in Handbuilding, Wheel throwing, Sculpture, Mold Casting:

Handbuilding:  

Intro- #1 - COILING

Experience the ancient sensations of modeling clays using the coiling technique, with unique finishing tools, surfaces and decorations.

Intro- #2 - PINCH POTSS  

Experience the ancient sensations of modeling clays using the tactile process of pinching! Discover sculptural and functional applications, use fun finishing tools and decorations.

Intro- #3 - SLAB BUILT 

Experience the “more modern” ancient technique of slab building! Using clays and various hand tools and devices, you’ll create vessels and small sculptures. Finish with decorative mark making.  
 

BEGINNING WHEEL THROWING

Intro- #1

With a focus on learning how to make simple functional pieces, the 8-week class will go over properly preparing clay for throwing, working on a potter's wheel, the elusive art of centering, good use of body mechanics, trimming, glazing, and the use of various tools. We'll also weave in explorations around the entrancing and mesmerizing medium of clay, which is as much a teacher of deep profound truths as it is a creative outlet. 

INTERMEDIATE WHEEL THROWING

Inter- #2

This course is for students who have completed the Intro to Throwing class 

(or for those who don’t need to be taught how to center clay) 

and want time to perfect their skills. This course is all about practice, practice, practice. Demonstrations and teaching will take place based on student need and interest. 

GLAZE WORKSHOPS

Get into the chemistry of glaze - learn about fit, flow, stability, and color. Hear about the many different ways of colored decoration with glazes and underglaze, and learn about majolica. Hear about stains and oxides, and their applications.   Learn about alternate “firing” methods using found materials and other types of clay, while discovering traditional and modern ways to Glaze, smoke and decorate ceramics.
 

SCULPTURE INTRO

Intro #1 - Sculpt  

This class builds on at least one Intro class - pinch/coiling/slab.  Learn how to combine various handbuilding techniques to create sculptural forms. Use various clay bodies made for sculpture incorporating non-ceramic elements, inclusions and armatures. 

MOLD CASTING

Experience the ancient processes of repetition production of slip- cast ceramics. Use molds to create, then decorate using embellishments and alterations, or try splicing different parts together to create unique new objects!

Other Information about classes:

Taught in 10-week  and 4-week courses, with occasional retreat style weekends, our courses can build on each other, though taking them in any order may lead the student into a wider and deeper awareness of the materials and the medium.   

All classes will need you to bring some things from home, and to invest in whatever tools you find you like best. Tools and clay will be available for purchase.  

If you find tools or materials you’re interested in, please consider placing an order with us - we’ll begin ‘bulk’ group orders after the requests stack up.  

Each class follows a set routine to facilitate learning and for developing skills and techniques. Teachers may adjust content at will.  Students may finish a session with a few happy pieces to capture the experience, but for beginning students we can not guarantee total success, simply a carefully constructed course with some personal instruction with examples, and, you’re encouraged to  “try, try again!”   Classes share the same space but don't overlap, so you’ll have a small class size and lots of guidance. Clean up after class with storage of your items is mandatory, for the best outcome. We look forward to meeting You! Let's get muddy and build something great!  Our limit for the class size is currently 4min-7max people.  We will consider to increase the class size to 10 people in the future. Registration is on “first come first serve” basis. 

STUDIO MEMBERSHIP

The price is $150 per month with a 3 month commitment, payments are accepted by credit card, venmo, or check.

In the payment notes section please enter your name, phone number.

Once per month kiln firing is included in the membership. 

We will increase the firing schedule with more members. 

Additional firings are available for an additional $50 charge upon request.

The BCC studio is open from 9am to 8pm at this time. If there is a class scheduled, It is up to the instructor to allow access during class time. Studio times are subject to change, however we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.

We hope to see you with us soon!

Thank you!