#  Absolute Beginners for Harvard Undergraduate Students - Hand Building 

 





 Semester:   Spring 

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 Year offered:  2025 

 

 

 

**Dates: February 1 - April 19th (10 classes | 14 weeks)\***

   ![Waffle Sculptures by Forrest Gard](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/makeart/files/gard_waffles_su24.jpg?itok=-qlW1uyK) 

 

  
**Day/Time:** Saturdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  
**Level:** [Beginner - Intermediate](/ceramics/definition-experience-levels)  
**Instructor:** [Kyle Johns](https://www.kylejohnsceramics.com/)

**Course Description:** This course for Harvard College Undergraduates will teach and develop your hand-building skills and confidence in working with clay. The class will explore the fluidity and tactility of hand-building through techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab-building. Projects will explore ceramic sculpture, utilitarian form, and an introduction to mold making and working with plaster. In-class demonstrations will address construction issues and functions and cover various surface decoration techniques.  \*No class on March 15th and March 22nd for Spring Recess.

**Materials List:**

Basic Pottery Tool Kit  
Apron  
Small Towel  
Notebook/Sketchbook

**Tool Purchases:**   
[Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program.](/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 directly at <jikim@fas.harvard.edu>.

### **Course Fees:**

**$125 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students**

Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8600 cu. inches of kiln space for 14 weeks, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through May 2nd. All are welcome to apply to participate in the Spring Show and Sale May 8 – 11th, 2025!

- **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.

**Registration will begin on Wednesday, November 13th at 2pm.**

[Login and Register](https://ofadap.fas.harvard.edu/ords/ofa/r/office-for-the-arts/login)

All registered students will receive a confirmation with class syllabus one week prior to the start date.

**Questions?**

- For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, [Kathy King](mailto:kking@fas.harvard.edu).
- For questions regarding registration, 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 Director, Kathy King