Oct. 5, 2004 – This fall, Maho Bay Clay Works is offering a series of classes and a visiting artist workshop on raku. For more information on any of the following, call Gail Van de Bogurt, at 776-6226, ext. 226.
December Visiting Artist Raku Workshops
Maho Bay Clay Works will host Steven Branfman, a well-known raku clay artist, writer and teacher, for two workshop opportunities in December. They include a week-long hands-on workshop, Dec. 13-19, where participants will work in the studio with him in a personal, informal setting. Topics include building a raku kiln, the "No-Frenzy Raku" way of firing and all the weekend workshop activities. Students also have the option to take part in only the weekend demonstration workshop, Dec. 17-19. This commences with the opening reception Friday evening and includes demonstrations of forming and firing techniques, slide show and discussion. Students can bring along two pieces of bisque ware, dimensions 6 by 8 inches. Accommodation packages are available. Contact Maho Bay Clay Works for more information. Week-long hands-on workshop cost, including studio fee, is $630. Weekend demonstration workshop, $205.
Weekly Classes
The weekly classes are ongoing except for the first two weeks of November
(Nov. 1-16) and the third week of December (Dec. 13-19). Designed for island visitors or someone who has time for just one class, these are a good introduction to the clay studio and are one or two hours in length.
Monday, 2-4 p.m.
Kids and Family Potter's Wheel (ages 8 and up)
Learn the basics of "throwing" as you are guided through the steps in making your own pot.
Instructor: Jill Hale (min. 4 students; max. 8)
Tuition $25 + Studio Fee $10 = $35
Tuesday, 3-5 p.m.
Kids or Adults Clay Bells and Whistles (ages 8 and up)
Learn to make whistles, multi-note ocarinas and jingle bells using pinch pot and paddle-formed methods.
Instructor: Mandy Thody (min. 4 students; max. 8)
Tuition $25 + Studio Fee $10 = $35
Wednesday, 9-12 p.m.
Guest Open Studio (ages 15 and up – locals see below)
For "clay people" visiting the island, this time is for you to get into the studio and make something. A basic proficiency in ceramics is needed. There's no instruction or teacher available. The studio will happily glaze and fire your work for you if time does not permit, and finished work can also be shipped at an additional cost.
Studio Use $25 + Materials Fee $10 = $35
Wednesday, 2-4 p.m.
Kids and Family Mask-Making (ages 8 and up)
Design your own mask and learn how to put it together by scoring and slipping methods.
Instructor: Jill Hale (min. 4 students; max. 8)
Tuition $25 + Studio Fee $10 = $35
Friday, 2-4 p.m.
Handbuilding Du Jour (ages 12 and up)
Clay pendants or wind chimes or mugs: Whoever signs up first picks the project of the day. All projects are made out of clay slabs which are decorated with imprints of local vegetation.
Instructor: Jill Hale (min. 4 students; max. 8)
Tuition $25 + Studio fees $10 = Total $35
Locals' Open Studio
For those who have experience or have completed one of our beginning level courses, this time is for you to work independently on your own projects and pieces (ages 15 and up). No teacher or instruction available.
Dates: Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Mondays, 6-9 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon; Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Studio Cost: use of tools and equipment
12 sessions = $85 (expires in 3 months)
6 sessions = $50
1 session = $10
Clay Cost: includes glazes and firing
25 lbs. (full bag) = $30
12.5 lbs. (1/2 bag) = $15
1 lb. = $2
Extended Classes
Please Note: extended classes are all four to five weeks long, meeting once per week. Cost includes all tools and materials. Adult classes also include one open-studio session per week of class. Each adult class lasts three hours. These are on the calendar for specific dates, with a four-student minimum. Anytime a group of four to eight wants to take an extended class, we can schedule it.
Relief and 3-D Sculpture for Adults – St. John artist Mandy Thody will share her methods of sculpting with an emphasis on humans and animals.
Instructor: Mandy Thody
Dates and Time: Oct. 14-Dec. 18, meeting every Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon
Tuition: $145 + $30 studio fees = $175
Adult Continuing Potter¹s Wheel – For those with a basic knowledge of the wheel. Brush up on your skills; focus on craftsmanship and aesthetic considerations. Covered jars, teapots, sets.
Instructor: Gail Van de Bogurt
Dates and Time: Oct. 2 through 23, meeting every Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Tuition: $115 + $25 studio fees = $140
Kids' Hand Building and Sculpture – Learn the basics of hand building through fun and whimsical projects such as multilayered landscapes, gingerbread houses and pinch pot animals.
Instructor: Mandy Thody
Dates and Time: Oct. 16-Nov. 20, meeting every Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Tuition: $110 + $15 studio fees = $125
Adult Beginning Potter's Wheel – Well-known St. Thomas clay artist Lynn Berry will guide you through all the basic wheel-throwing techniques. Learn to make bowls, mugs, vases.
Instructor: Lynn Berry
Date and Time: Oct. 22 through Nov. 19, meeting every Friday, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Tuition: $145 + $30 studio fees = $175
Special 3-day Class
This is on the calendar for specific dates. There is a four-student minimum for these classes. Anytime a group of four to eight wants to take a three-day class, we can schedule it.
Wall Sconces and Tile Making – Learn how to make beautiful pottery fixtures for your home.
Instructor: Ginger Kreofsky
Date and Time: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 13,6-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m.
Tuition: $90 + $15 studio fees = $105
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