September Introduction to Handbuilding

In this course, students explore the basic physical properties of clay by practicing a variety of hand-forming techniques used to create functional objects. Hand-forming techniques will include pinch pottery, slab and coil building, mold slumping, and texturizing surfaces. The objective of this class is not to make pieces to take home, but rather to learn what is possible and give students a chance to get their hands dirty and feel what it's like to work with clay. No previous experience with clay is needed for this class. This class is a prerequisite to attend  open studio.

“Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools. The most common handbuilding techniques are pinch pottery, coil building, and slab building” -Ceramic Arts Network 

Instructor's name 
After nearly 20 years of working various administrative positions at OSU, Missy Hitch took a ceramics class and instantly fell in love with it.  When she's not following her teenage daughter around to bowling tournaments, she spends her time in the studio where she gets the opportunity to learn, explore, and create works of art.  After 5 years of working with clay, Missy became a ceramics instructor at Prairie Arts Center where she teaches hand building and beginning wheel classes.  Her focus as a maker is on building every day functional pieces like mugs, baking dishes, and teapots but she also makes decorative pieces and has led various workshops on ceramic projects, such as holiday gnomes and nativity scenes.  Over the years, Missy has learned some tips and tricks, which she happily shares with her students to make pottery fun and exciting.

 

Course type 
4 weeks; class meets once a week for 3 hours (12 hours of instructional time)