Ceramics Program

Investigating, understanding, and communicating the role of ceramics in art, science, and history.

The internationally-known Ceramics Program provides a creative learning environment for a dynamic mix of students and professionals from the University, greater Boston, and the international community. Community courses are offered over three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) at all levels. In addition, the Program hosts special undergraduate-only courses and events, supports ceramics and visual arts workshops in the Houses, and provides specialized ceramics experiences for academic courses as well as student groups. Complementing the wide range of courses are lectures, workshops, and demonstrations by visiting artists and ceramics symposia involving potters, sculptors, art historians and archaeologists from all over the world.

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Featured Events

Learning ceramics is undoubtedly my most treasured experience as an undergrad, and this is in part due to top-notch teaching, enthusiasm, and kindness. Thank you for cultivating the welcoming, fun, creative environment where I spent many late nights, met so many cool people, felt at ease, and fell in love with clay.

Alicetonia Nwamah ’24

Find a Course

The OFA Ceramics Program offers courses on ceramic arts for adults of all skill levels over three terms per year. Registration is open to anyone over the age of 18 unless otherwise noted. Fall classes will be posted on Wednesday, July 8, at 10am.

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Ceramics Spaces and Events

The OFA Ceramics Program has extensive facilities open to currently enrolled studio participants and a public gallery, located at 224 Western Ave. in Allston. The popular bi-annual Show and Sale takes place here in December and May.

Ceramics Studio Facilities Public Gallery Exhibitions Biannual Show and Sale

Student & Public Scholarships

The OFA Ceramics Program offers the Peter Berry Scholarship which provides financial support to students and the greater public who wish to enroll in a ceramics course. The Ceramics programs also provides a free summer class for Allston-Brighton Residents.

Ceramics Program Scholarship

The Ceramics Program Scholarship provides financial assistance for adults (18+) enrolling in Ceramics Program classes. The focus of this scholarship will be to provide access to the Ceramics Program to those in financial need.

Student throwing a pot at the pottery wheel

Clay with Neighbors

Clay with Neighbors is a free summer course for Allston-Brighton Residents. This introductory ceramics class introduces students to our studio, the technique of coil building to create vessels in addition to using the potter's wheel and glazing work. Any Allston-Brighton resident age 18+ is eligible to apply. No previous ceramics experience is required.

Visiting Artists, Workshops, and Lectures

Complementing our wide range of ceramics courses are lectures, workshops, and demonstrations by visiting artists and scholars.

Visiting Artists, Workshops, and Residencies

flatlay of many pieces of pottery by Bandana Pottery, with bold graphic slip patterns

Opportunities for Artists

Technical Training Program

Gain first-hand experience in community art education and the operation of a ceramics studio.

Independent Study

For advanced students to have studio access for a 14-week term outside of an instructor-led course.

Artist in Residence Program

An opportunity for ceramic artists to push their art in new directions at a dynamic community ceramics studio at Harvard, offering a stipend, paid teaching opportunities, and a dedicated workspace, materials and firing.

Academic Collaborations

Each year, the Ceramics Program opens its doors to faculty and students from Harvard University departments to provide an interactive lab environment and resource for the history, chemistry, and technology behind working with clay.

Academic Collaborations