COURSE DESCRIPTION: Join guest artist and instructor Jim Etzkorn for an intensive hands-on skills course geared to Intermediate potters. This workshop includes demonstration, practice and coaching, which will help you take your work to the next level. Jim will cover advanced throwing skills including thrown and altered trays and multi-piece sets, jugs and spouts for pouring, handle-making and surface treatment. This weekend workshop happens over two full days, with a separate follow-up glazing session and cone 10 reduction firing at a later date.

About the Instructor: Jim Etzkorn (Medicine Hat, AB), runs a successful studio practice and has lectured and taught at numerous colleges and art organizations throughout Canada including the University of Manitoba, Red Deer College, the Alberta College of Art and Design and the Kootenay School of the Arts.

Jim is a graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, and continues to deepen his ceramic experience through artist residencies including the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity; the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana; Tokoname, Japan, the Shaw International Centre for Ceramic Arts at Medalta, Medicine Hat; and the Plemenitaš Design Art Workshop, in Croatia.

Jim’s work is represented in public and private collections in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Britain, Holland, Spain and throughout North America. Highlights of his career include a commission to create the dinner set for the 2003 G8 Summit in Kananaskis, a merit award in Taiwan Invitational International Show and work chosen for numerous juried national and international exhibitions.

"My work is influenced by looking at historical objects, understanding ceramic traditions and exploring contemporary ideas.”

Price: $299. plus 5% gst. Included are 10kg. of clay for Cone 10 and bisque firing. Cone 6 clay will be available as an option for those who are unable to participate in the cone 10 reduction firing and plan on glaze firing their own work. Maximum participants: 7

Monday October 23, 9:30 am to 4 pm and drop with optional 6-8 pm evening session

Tuesday October 24, 9:30 am to 4 pm

To register contact susanclaysmith@gmail.com

::COURSE DESCRIPTION: Join guest artist and instructor Jim Etzkorn for an intensive hands-on skills course geared to Intermediate potters. This workshop includes demonstration, practice and coaching, which will help you take your work to the next level. Jim will cover advanced throwing skills including thrown and altered trays and multi-piece sets, jugs and spouts for pouring, handle-making and surface treatment. This weekend workshop happens over two full days, with a separate follow-up glazing session and cone 10 reduction firing at a later date.

About the Instructor: Jim Etzkorn (Medicine Hat, AB), runs a successful studio practice and has lectured and taught at numerous colleges and art organizations throughout Canada including the University of Manitoba, Red Deer College, the Alberta College of Art and Design and the Kootenay School of the Arts.

Jim is a graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, and continues to deepen his ceramic experience through artist residencies including the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity; the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana; Tokoname, Japan, the Shaw International Centre for Ceramic Arts at Medalta, Medicine Hat; and the Plemenitaš Design Art Workshop, in Croatia.

Jim’s work is represented in public and private collections in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Britain, Holland, Spain and throughout North America. Highlights of his career include a commission to create the dinner set for the 2003 G8 Summit in Kananaskis, a merit award in Taiwan Invitational International Show and work chosen for numerous juried national and international exhibitions.

"My work is influenced by looking at historical objects, understanding ceramic traditions and exploring contemporary ideas.”

Price: $299. plus 5% gst. Included are 10kg. of clay for Cone 10 and bisque firing. Cone 6 clay will be available as an option for those who are unable to participate in the cone 10 reduction firing and plan on glaze firing their own work. Maximum participants: 7

Saturday October 21, 9:30 am to 4 pm and drop with optional 6-8 pm evening session

Sunday October 22, 9:30 am to 4 pm

To register contact susanclaysmith@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 8.5 hour course happens over three evenings. The course covers both hand-building and throwing skills and is suitable to both first-timers and those looking to improve their skills. We learn the fundamentals of how to construct 3-dimensional works in clay through hand-building techniques and throwing on the wheel. Participants should be able to complete from 4-8 pieces including simple forms such as plant pots, containers and mugs, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab-building and carving. During the final session we will glaze our bisque-fired pieces for the final glaze firing.

The glazing is done during the third final session and participants can choose from a variety of glazes to finish their pieces. When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

Price: $239. plus 5% gst. All clay, glazes and firings are included.

Tuesday October 17, 6-9 pm

Wednesday October 18, 6-9 pm

Wednesday November 1, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

To register contact susanclaysmith@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 11 hour course happens over one full day, one half day and one evening. The course covers both hand-building and throwing skills and is suitable to both first-timers and those looking to improve their skills. We learn the fundamentals of throwing and how to construct simple 3-dimensional works in clay, such as plant pots, containers and cups, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab-building and carving. During the final session we will glaze our bisque-fired pieces for the final glaze firing.

Participants should be able to complete from 6-10 pieces. The glazing is done during the final hands-on session and participants can choose from a variety of glazes to finish their pieces. When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

Saturday March 11th, 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday March 12th, 1 - 4 pm

Wednesday March 22nd, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

To register contact susanclaysmith@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this 5-hour project-focussed session we learn how to construct hand-built mugs and bowls using a variety of techniques such as simple pinching and coil-building methods, and slab construction using rolled slabs. We will also explore a variety of simple surface treatments. The first class is focused on building and the second class is a glazing session. Participants select from a variety of glazes.

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from two to four pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

Instructor: Susan ClaySmith

Date: Thursday March 9, 2023, from 6-9 pm and Thursday March 23 from 6-8 pm Pick-up date and time for finished work to be determined.

LOCATION: 1960 Hudson Bay Mtn. Rd., Smithers

LOCATION: 1960 Hudson Bay Mtn. Rd., Smithers

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this 5-hour project-focussed session we learn how to construct hand-built mugs and bowls using a variety of techniques such as simple pinching and coil-building methods, and slab construction using rolled slabs. We will also explore a variety of simple surface treatments. The first class is focussed on building and the second class is a glazing session. Participants select from a variety of glazes.

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from two to four pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

Date: Monday March 6, 2023, from 6-9 PM and Monday March 20 6-8 pm

Pick-up date and time to be determined.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will learn the fundamentals of throwing on the potter’s wheel as well as learn how to construct 3-dimensional works in clay, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as simple pinching and coil-building methods, and slab construction using rolled slabs. 

We will also explore a variety of simple surface treatments on damp clay, including relief carving and stamping, as well as glaze techniques on bisque-fired pieces using brushwork and resists.

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from four to eight pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

This course is suitable for both first-timers as well as those who have done a novice/beginners course before and are still working on developing their hand-building and throwing skills.

All clay, glazes and firings included. ( includes 13 hours instruction/studio time plus a 1.5 hour finish and pickup session.)

SESSION 1: Throwing and Building, Saturday December 28, 9:30 AM - 4 PM (1/2 hour lunch break)

SESSION 2: Throwing and Building, Sunday December 29, 1 -5 PM

SESSION 3: Throwing and Building, Monday December 30, 6-9 PM

SESSION 4: Glazing Session, Tuesday January 7, 6-9 PM

SESSION 6: Finishing & Pick-up Session, 6-7:30 PM, (second or third week of January, to be determined)

To register contact susanclaysmith@gmail.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 9 hour course happens over one full day and one half day. We will learn the fundamentals of throwing on the potter’s wheel and hand-building skills. We learn how to construct simple 3-dimensional works in clay, such as plant pots, containers and cups, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab-building and carving.

Participants should be able to complete a range of pieces. In this program, the glazing is done by the instructor; participants can choose from a variety of glazes to finish their pieces.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

This course is suitable for both beginners and novices. Sessions happen during the day which is particularly suitable to those who have a bit of a drive.

All clay, glazes and firings are included.

Saturday December 14th, 10 am to 4:30 pm

Sunday December 15th, 1:30 - 4:30 pm

To register contact susanclaysmith@gmail.com

Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

DATES: October 23, 28, 30, November 4, 6, 13 (19 hours total includes 15 hours instruction/studio time, a 3 hour bonus drop-in session, plus a 1.5 hour finish and pickup session.)

LOCATION: 1960 Hudson Bay Mtn. Rd., Smithers BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will learn the fundamentals of throwing on the potter’s wheel as well as learn how to construct 3-dimensional works in clay, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as simple pinching and coil-building methods, and slab construction using rolled slabs. 

We will also explore a variety of simple surface treatments on damp clay, including relief carving and stamping, as well as glaze techniques on bisque-fired pieces using brushwork and resists.

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from four to eight pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

This course is suitable for both first-timers as well as those who have done a novice/beginners course before and are still working on developing their hand-building and throwing skills.

All clay, glazes and firings included.

SESSION 1: Throwing and Building, Wednesday October 23, 6-9 PM

SESSION 2: Throwing and Building, Monday October 28, 6-9 PM

SESSION 3: Throwing and Building, Wednesday October 30, 6-9 PM

SESSION 4: Throwing and Building, Monday November 4, 6-9 PM

SESSION 5: Glazing, Wednesday November 13, 6-9 PM

SESSION 6: Finishing & Pick-up Session, 6-7:30 PM, date for pick up (fourth week of November, to be determined)

BONUS SESSION: Self-directed non-instructional drop-in session during the second week of November, date to be determined by group.

Thursdays, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

DATES: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, & May 2, 2019   (19 hours total includes 15 hours instruction/studio time, a 3 hour bonus drop-in session, plus a 1.5 hour finish and pickup session in early May.)

LOCATION: 1960 Hudson Bay Mtn. Rd., Smithers BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is for those already have fundamental skill in hand-building and throwing. We will improve our skills on the potter’s wheel and learn to use ribs and other forming tools, and we will develop some more sophisticated hand-building techniques. We will also explore a range of surface treatments on damp clay using slips and underglazes, plus try relief carving, scrafitto stamping, some basic image transfer skills and explore glaze techniques.

 Participants should be able to complete a range of pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

SESSION 1: Throwing and Building, Thursday March 28, 6-9 PM

SESSION 2: Throwing and Building, Thursday April 4, 6-9 PM

SESSION 3: Throwing and Building, Thursday April 11, 6-9 PM

SESSION 4: Throwing and Building, Thursday April 18, 6-9 PM

SESSION 5: Glazing, Thursday May 2, 6-9 PM

SESSION 6: Finishing & Pick-up Session, 6-7:30 PM (second week of May, to be determined)

BONUS SESSION 7: 3 hour self-directed non-instructional drop-in session during April, date to be determined by group

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

DATES: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30, 2019 (19 hours total includes 15 hours instruction/studio time, a 3 hour bonus drop-in session, plus a 1.5 hour finish and pickup session in early May.)

LOCATION: 1960 Hudson Bay Mtn. Rd., Smithers BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will learn the fundamentals of throwing on the potter’s wheel as well as learn how to construct 3-dimensional works in clay, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as simple pinching and coil-building methods, and slab construction using rolled slabs. 

We will also explore a variety of simple surface treatments on damp clay, including relief carving and stamping, as well as glaze techniques on bisque-fired pieces using brushwork and resists.

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from four to eight pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

SESSION 1: Throwing and Building, Tuesday March 26, 6-9 PM

SESSION 2: Throwing and Building, Tuesday April 2, 6-9 PM

SESSION 3: Throwing and Building, Tuesday April 9, 6-9 PM

SESSION 4: Throwing and Building, Tuesday April 16, 6-9 PM

SESSION 5: Glazing, Tuesday April 30, 6-9 PM

SESSION 6: Finishing & Pick-up Session, 6-7:30 PM, date for pick up (second week of May, to be determined)

BONUS SESSION 7: 3 hour self-directed non-instructional drop-in session during April, date to be determined by group

DATES: April 9, 12, 16 & May 7 & 21, 2018   (13 hours instruction time in total)

LOCATION: 1960 Hudson Bay Mtn. Rd., Smithers BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will learn the fundamentals of throwing on the potter’s wheel as well as learn how to construct 3-dimensional works in clay, using a variety of hand-building techniques such as simple pinching and coil-building methods, and slab construction using rolled slabs. 

We will also explore a variety of simple surface treatments on damp clay, including relief carving and stamping, as well as glaze techniques on bisque-fired pieces using brushwork and resists.

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from four to eight pieces during the workshop.  When the final glaze firing is complete, participants will be notified of the pick-up date and time. 

SESSION 1: Throwing and Building, Monday April 9, 6-9 PM

SESSION 2: Throwing and Building, Thursday April 12, 6-9 PM
SESSION 3: Throwing and Building, Monday April 16, 6-9 PM

SESSION 4: Glazing, Monday May 7, 6-9 PM

SESSION 5: Finishing & Pick-up Session, 6-7 PM, date for pick up (between May 16-21) to be determined.

DATES: Thursday April 3rd, 4th and 5th 6:00 - 9:00 pm

LOCATION: Riverlodge Recreation Centre, Kitimat BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Are you interested in expanding your range of surface treatments? This course focuses on a range of fun and interesting surface treatments that will take  your surface decoration skills to the next level.   

Through demonstration and practice we explore a range of image transfer and layered decorating techniques including: mixing and using coloured clay slips for transfers, stenciling, and sgraffito; two different approaches to using mishima inlay;  making our own custom stamps using carved lino and custom bisque molds.

We will also look at ways to use a common HP Laser Printer for a range of image transfer techniques including  thermal resist transfers using high resolution images; simple screen printing techniques;  lithographic printing on clay; and making and using custom overglaze decals.

WORKSHOP FEES: $169 plus gst, includes printing materials.

SUITABILITY: for those who have had instruction and/or have experience in hand-building and basic forming skills. 

DATES: Wednesday April 4th, 1 - 4 pm; Thursday April 5th - 1 to 4 pm

LOCATION: Riverlodge Recreation Centre, Kitimat BC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Acquiring hand-building skills opens up your ability to create both symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, alter thrown works, sculpt, and more.  Skills covered include pinch, coil, and slab techniques; using templates and texture; the use of additions for strength, making and using paperclay; altering thrown forms; and most importantly, thinking like an engineer!

WORKSHOP FEES: $99 plus gst. Participants supply their own clay

SUITABILITY: rank beginner to intermediate skills. 

This course focuses on hand-building and surface treatments. We build 3-dimensional works in clay using a variety of hand-building techniques, and learn some interesting image transfer and layered decorating techniques including: coloured slip transfers, stencilling, sgraffito and relief carving on green ware; making stamps with clay and carved lino blocks; thermal transfers using high resolution images; and a variety of glaze techniques using brushwork and resists. 

Participants should be able to complete anywhere from four to ten pieces during the workshop. 

Workshop fees includes all clay, glazing materials and firings.

DATES: Nov 1, 6, 7, 20, 21, & Dec 4, 2017 (16 hours total)

SESSION #1: Wednesday Nov 1,  6.00-8.00 pm - 2 hour intro session covering various hand building and image transfer techniques, small take-home assignment in preparation for session #2

SESSION #2: Monday Nov 6, 6.00-9:30 pm - 3.5 hour building session

SESSION #3: Tuesday Nov 7, 6.00-9:30 pm - 3.5 hour building session

SESSION #4: Monday Nov 20, 6.00-8:30 pm - 2.5 hour glazing session

SESSION #5: Tuesday Nov 21, 6.00-8:30 pm - 2.5 hour glazing session

SESSION #6: Monday Dec 4, 6.00-8.00 pm - final finishing, pick up work

SUITABILITY: Suitable for those who have already taken a beginner class.  Some previous hand building experience required.  Ages 16+ yrs

Hand build elegant platters and other 3-dimensional works in clay using a variety of hand-building techniques, and learn the fundamentals of throwing on a potter's wheel. We will explore a variety of surface treatments on damp clay, including relief carving and stamping, as well as underglaze and glaze techniques on bisque-fired pieces using brushwork, stencils and resists. Participants should be able to complete anywhere from four to ten pieces during the workshop. When the final glaze firing is completed, participants will be notified of the pick-up day and time. Directions to the studio as well as a 'what to bring list' of everyday items will be emailed out during the week prior to the first session. Workshop cost includes clay, glazing materials and firing costs for all five sessions. 

SESSION 1: MONDAY MARCH 6, 6.30-9.30PM
SESSION 2: TUESDAY MARCH 7, 6.30-9.30PM
SESSION 3: WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 6.30-9.30PM 

(3 hr. hand-building, throwing & decorating techniques)

SESSION 4: WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 6.30-9PM
SESSION 5: THURSDAY APRIL 6, 6.30-9PM 

(2.5 hr. instructional glazing sessions - post bisque firing)

(14 hours instruction time in total)

- See more at: http://smithersart.org/index.php/workshops-classes/workshops/throwing-hand-building-with-clay-2017#sthash.7nSem7mQ.dpuf