Digital Clay

Digital Clay

Summer 2025 Course
Dates: June 2 - July 28, 2025*
Day/Time: Mondays, 06:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Level: Intermediate – Advanced 
Instructor: Nik Putnam

Explore computer-aided modes of clay working. Thinking about hand-machine collaboration, the class will introduce various methods to design tools to aid your studio practice or generate digital models that will ultimately become ceramic objects. Forms created can be 3D printed in plastic to make a plaster mold and/or directly 3D printed in clay using Harvard Ceramic Program’s new LUTUM® v4.6 clay printer. 

Basic proficiency in CAD (computer-aided design) software or Rhinoceros 3D, as well as basic mold-making skills, is required to take this class.* No class on June 30th due to the instructor's travel. 

Materials List

• Basic Pottery Tool Kit
• Apron
• Small Towel

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 directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Cost:

$100 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $350 for Harvard Graduate Students; $820 for Adult Community; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow instructions in online registration system for pricing.

Course Fees:

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 up to 6,200 cu. inches of kiln space for 10 weeks, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through August 8, 2025. 

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, 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.