Advancing Glazes with Studio Access

bins of raw glaze material labeled "Feldspar"

Fall 2026
Dates: August 31 - November 23, 2026* (12 classes with 14 weeks of studio access. Instructor-led, live online sessions: September 14, 28, October 12, 26 and November 9.)
Day/Time: Mondays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Matthew Katz with on-site Facilitator, Casey Zeng

Advancing Glazes is an intensive 12-week online lecture-based study combined with twelve weeks of access to the Ceramics Program Materials Room and is the next step after Glaze and Clay Body Chemistry or Understanding Glazes with Studio Access, led by instructor Matthew Katz and facilitated by Ceramics Program staff member Casey Zeng. Advancing Glazes will take an intensive approach to the study and analysis of glazes. Students will research the nature of glaze effects, surfaces, and colors.

The focus of the course is to provide students with technical and empirical knowledge about the composition, application, and fired effects of ceramic glazes and ultimately, to aid them in making better-informed decisions as they strive to realize their vision. The ceramic artist strives to create glaze surfaces that, as a component of concept and content, enhance form through texture and color. The beauty of ceramic glazes comes from subtle nuances of chemistry. The intermingling of silicate bonds, crystallization, and kiln atmospheres dictate the qualities of the glaze. A fundamental understanding of the principles and properties involved in glaze science is essential if the ceramic artist can exert any control over the successful outcome of the work.

Topics will include: Introduction to Special Effect Glazes and Colors, The Subtitles of Glaze Calculation, Fluxes and Performance, Thermal Expansion, Glaze Durability, Cone 6 and Cone 04, Celadon, Zinc, & Phase Separation, Iron, Fake Ash, Shino, & Carbon Trap, Lava, Fake Metallic, Raku & Atmosphere, Nature and Function of Color and Colorants.

The Advancing Glazes class provides information to students in an audio and visual setting. Using a video over PowerPoint lecture format in the classroom, in addition to this the online environment allows for flexibility of discussion topics, triggered by student-generated questions and interaction over email, message board, and live video discussion with the faculty. Recorded lectures are complemented by live online meetings with the instructor and fellow classmates and reading and optional experiments. Students may use the recorded video format to rewind and review material at their leisure, allowing for a more comprehensive absorption of the course materials. Studio access is available to those who fall under the definition of Intermediate-Advanced and can work independently in the studio. Casey Zeng will act as a facilitator for the class and assist with weekly bisque firings.

Note: This course requires the prerequisite of Making Glazes, Make Sense/Understanding Glazes/Introduction to Glazes/Glaze Calculation from Ceramic Materials Workshop/Matt Katz or Glaze and Clay Chemistry/Understanding Glazes at the Ceramics Program. Even if you are an exceptionally experienced artist, the previous course is foundational for this course. Visit the Ceramic Materials Workshop website for more information.

*The program will be closed, and classes will not be held, on Monday, September 7th for the Labor Day Holiday.

Note: This is an Intermediate-Advanced class. Please carefully review our definitions of experience levels for courses to ensure that you are qualified to take the course. We reserve the right to drop participants who have registered for courses they do not have the skills to meaningfully participate in.

The registration lottery for in-person fall courses will be open from July 21 at 10:00am through July 24 at 3:00pm. Visit our Registration Policies page for detailed instructions on how to register.

Materials List

If you are mixing at the Ceramics Program:

16 oz. clear container with lid (available for purchase through the Ceramics Program)
Scale
Mask N95 or the equivalent for particulates

All registered students will receive an email confirmation with the class syllabus one week before the start date.

Tool Purchases:
Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Cost:

Course Fees: $150 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $555 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,195 for Adult Community Members; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow the instructions in the online registration system for pricing.

Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, and high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing for up to 8,600 cubic inches of kiln space, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through December 4, 2026.

User types:

Adult Community: 18+; General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, Extension School students, and faculty/staff who are not TAP-eligible; students from universities other than Harvard.
Harvard Employees eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP regular (employees worked less than 15 years) and TAP long service (employees who worked 15 or more years at Harvard).
Harvard College Undergraduate Students: Currently enrolled students at Harvard College. This does not include Harvard Extension School Undergraduate Students. You must register with your Harvard email – we can arrange for an alternative email to be used for class after registration is complete.
Harvard Graduate Students: Currently enrolled students in a Harvard University Graduate Program. This does not include Harvard Extension School Graduate Students.

Questions?

For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, Kathy King.
For questions regarding registration or purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Manager, Ji-Eun Kim.
For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.