All levels welcome

Nothing could be better for the ways you think about your art than spending the 250th anniversary of the 4th of July with these two renowned and remarkable artists. This workshop will mark a moment in your life as an artist because as teaching artists Andrea and John exemplify ways of bringing contemporary and historical weight to concepts, problem solving, and unique perspectives. Working with a blend of focused spontaneity and predetermination, both artists exude unique gifts for communicating what that process looks like. No one leaves the studio without their trajectory in thinking and creating altered. Learn unique hand-building techniques, surface development, decoration, painting, and most importantly how to gather your ideas and new skills around one purpose: YOUR VOICE.

The Gills are both leaders in American ceramics because of their groundbreaking work and abilities to teach, guide, and support others in their own creative quests. Using focused spontaneity and predetermination, both artists exude unique gifts for communicating what a creative process can look like. There will be demonstrations, discussions, hands-on exercises, and heaps of individual attention.

Fee: $710 (Course Fee: $600 + Lab Fee: $70 [includes first bag of clay] + Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $40)

All levels welcome

Using some of my hand-building templates as a starting point, students will learn how to design and create their own templates while transforming flat clay slabs into functional pottery forms. This class focuses on form development, template-making, surface texture, and thoughtful assembly/alteration techniques. Students will gain practical strategies for translating ideas into repeatable forms, strengthening problem-solving skills, and building confidence in slab construction.

Jen Allen is a studio potter, educator, and mother based in Morgantown, West Virginia. When she's not creating pottery, teaching, or designing templates, you’ll likely find her in the woods with her pup Margot, or at the hockey rink, cheering on her kids' teams.

Fee: $650 (Course Fee: $550 + Lab Fee: $60 [first bag of clay included] + Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $40)

Some throwing experience necessary

Upon arriving at our beautiful studio, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into the worlds of the Moon jar and Tsubo jar, both important vanguards of ceramic history. This workshop will be a great opportunity to expand your wheel-throwing skills, achieving spherical forms through technique and shaping strategies. We’ll start with small volumes and find our way to larger sectional throwing/building. Rims, bases, and trimming will be important aspects of our exploration. To top off the week there will be a salt firing that offers students the experience of utilizing glazes that accentuate these voluptuous forms.

Sophie Kang Min Yoon is a first-generation Korean American ceramic artist from Queens, NY. She received her BA in art education with a studio art concentration in ceramics from CUNY Queens College. She has taught art within the NYC public school system and has assisted workshops at numerous studios in the metropolitan area. She has been employed as a ceramic technician, studio manager, and production potter. In 2025 Yoon established Long Island Clay - Ceramics Studio in Huntington, New York.  

Fee: $670 (Course Fee: $550 + Lab Fee: $80 [includes first bag of clay] + Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $40)

All levels welcome

Drop into the unique context of kiln atmospheres! Pack up your bisque wares and we’ll dive into how clay-bodies, glazes, forms and the intentions of the maker interact with firings in soda, wood, raku, and pit kilns. Double-over-head demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on participation for five exciting days. This rad and rare experience places the magic of kiln atmospheres and cooperation within the chill beauty of the Catskills. Totally remember to breathe.

Bruce Dehnert received his BA in English at the University of Montana and MFA in Ceramics at Alfred University. Beginning his career as a production potter in Macon, Georgia, Dehnert has taught at universities in New York City, Massachusetts, New Zealand, and on the Island of Borneo. He is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics and currently is Head of Ceramics at Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts.

Steve Cook, a rock steady superintendent of vivid foreign immersives, received his MFA in Film from CalArts. A beloved teacher at Francis Parker School in San Diego, he oversaw a rambunctious ceramics department, foreign travel program, and the School’s Gun Club. Besides being a potter and sculptor, for many years Cook served as a martial arts consultant to numerous Hollywood and indie films.

Fee: $770 (Course Fee: $600 + Lab Fee: $130 + Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $40)