# Choices and Challenges – What if? Why not? ![ceramic bottles on a sketchbook](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-03/Choices%20%26%20Challenges.jpeg?itok=tWk8ufnk) ## Choices and Challenges – What if? Why not? [Summer 2026](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/courses) **Dates:** June 3 - July 29, 2026 (9 classes with 10 weeks of studio access) **Day/Time:** Wednesdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm **Level:** [Intermediate - Advanced](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/definition-experience-levels) **Instructor:** [Tom Hubbard](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/people/tom-hubbard) Spend the summer exploring new directions in your studio practice. In this class, students respond to weekly prompts, selecting a making method—wheel, slab, coil, or beyond—to investigate ideas through material and process. Emphasis is placed on exploration across multiple approaches, with concepts developed through iteration, small studies, and maquettes. Rather than working toward a single finished outcome, the focus is on process, experimentation, and discovery. Projects evolve organically and are driven by questions like “What if?” and “Why not?” This inquiry-based approach encourages students to take risks, refine their thinking through making, and cultivate a more personal and dynamic artistic voice within their ceramic practice. *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 summer courses will be open from April 14 at 10:00am through April 17 at 4:00pm. Visit our** [**Registration Policies**](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/registration-policies) **page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.** ### Materials List - Basic Pottery Tool Kit, Apron, Small Towel, Notebook/Sketchbook *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.](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/supplies) You may also consider ordering from a local supplier ([Sheffield Pottery](https://www.sheffield-pottery.com/), [Amherst Pottery Supply](https://www.amherstpotters.com/) or [Portland Pottery](https://www.portlandpottery.com/)). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim at . ### Cost: Course Fees: $115 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $420 for Harvard Graduate Students; $885 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 **6,200 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 August 8, 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](mailto:kking@fas.harvard.edu). - For questions regarding registration or purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, [Ji-Eun Kim](mailto:jikim@fas.harvard.edu). - For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator [Mary Cale Wilson](mailto:marycalewilson@fas.harvard.edu). See also:- [ 2026 Summer ](/term/2026-summer) login [### Registration Login ](https://ofadap.fas.harvard.edu/ords/ofa/r/office-for-the-arts/login)log in or create an account on the OFA registration platform policy [### Registration Policies ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/registration-policies)Learn more about how to register for a Ceramics Course list [### Course Preview ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/courses)Review all current Ceramics Program course listings work\_history [### Definition of experience levels ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/definition-experience-levels)Use these definitions as a guideline to select a Ceramics Program course that best suits your level of experience.