Ceramics: Intro to Closed Containers and Lidded Vessels

With Ron Cole

July 23 - 29, 2023

Location: Grunewald Guild Pottery Studio

What will class time be like?: A mix of instructional time, demonstrations, and worktime.

Will I need to work outside of class?: Yes, all participants in this class must spend significant time outside of class in order to complete their projects.

What can I expect to create?: Lidded ceramic vessels that may be used for either function or decoration, depending upon the student’s interests and inspirations.

Do I need experience to take this class?: All experience levels welcome, including beginners

What do I need to bring to class?: You should wear clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and may also consider bringing some specific ideas for projects they'd like to tackle during the week (such as a sugar bowl for tea, a candy jar, a teapot, etc.). You may also consider bringing an item from nature that has a crazy texture! This can be a peach pit, a whole walnut, a piece of bark, or anything else that’s firm enough to press into clay!

Minimum age of participant: 16 (without adult); 14-15 (with adult)

required deposit: $250

  • Commuter – $115.00
  • Cabin – $1,180.00
  • Hilltop House King Private Room + Private Bath – $1,120.00
  • Hilltop House Queen Private Room + Shared Bath – $1,060.00
  • Hilltop Private Room (Full + Two Twins) + Shared Bath – $1,000.00
  • Private Queen Room + Shared Bath – $940.00
  • Private Twin Room + Shared Bath – $940.00
  • Shared Room + Shared Bath – $610.00
  • Yurt – $730.00
  • Library Dorm – $460.00
  • RV with Electric: 125V/30 Amp – $460.00
  • RV with Electric: 25V/20 Amp – $460.00
  • Personal Tent or Car Camping – $400.00

In this class, we will explore wheel-thrown ceramic forms that serve as containers. From the flange of a lid to the shoulder of a jar, students will learn the parts of and how to create a variety of lid types and fit them to their adjoining vessels. We will also discuss the various quirks of creating containers for specific items such as sugar, honey, or tea. There are many ways to throw a pot, and many more ways to fill them!

Class time may begin with a small quote or reading to get creative juices flowing! Then the instructor will go into a demonstration/instruction time where he will give a project for the morning. After the demonstration/instructional time, the rest of the morning will be time to work on projects and pieces. Depending on the day, there may be a demo, project time, another demo, and then more project time. The goal will be to provide as much time as possible for the student to create!

While afternoon studio is not required, it is strongly encouraged! Due to the nature of the medium, the first 3 class days will be the primary building days and the final 2 days will be glazing/firing days. The instructor will be as available as possible in the studio during the building afternoons for further guidance or assistance.

About the Faculty

Ron Cole

Ron Cole is a digital artist, songwriter, and potter. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Kentucky, Ron first came to the Guild as an intern for the 2013 Summer Program, then stayed on as an Artist in Residence, and later returned to work on staff for a few years. He currently resides in Plain, Wa […]

Learn more about Ron Cole

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