Form Follows Function: The Art of Slab Building
Dates: January 29 - April 16 (12 classes | 14 weeks)
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Joanna Mark and Diane Lulek
Course Description: Concentrating on the use of slabs, this class will explore the techniques of using slump and hump molds, pinch and dart methods, and flexible slab construction. Decorative techniques will include stamping and carving (sgraffito), inlay, as well as the making of handles, feet, and knobs. We will make tools for stamping, scoring, handle making, and templates. Glazing will be discussed and demonstrated in depth. The projects include plates and platters, mugs, platters, vases, baking dishes, and covered boxes.
Materials:
Basic Pottery Tool Kit
Apron
Notebook/Sketchbook
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 directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.
Course Fees:
$150 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $510 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,130 for Adult Community; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow instructions in the online registration system for pricing.
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!
- Adult Community: 18+, General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, faculty/staff, and post-docs who are not TAP-eligible; Harvard Extension School students; 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.
Registration will begin Wednesday, November 13th at 2pm.
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.
- For questions regarding registration, purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
- For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Operations Coordinator, Mary Cale Wilson.