Looking at Animals

ceramic sculpture of a seal balancing on a rock

Summer 2026
Dates: June 3 - July 29, 2026 (9 classes with 10 weeks of studio access)
Day/Time: Wednesdays , 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Mary Kenny

Whether you want to make a sculpture of an animal, add animal features on a thrown pot, or draw, paint, or carve the image of an animal, this class is for you. Using basic hand-building techniques such as pinch pots, coils, and slabs, the instructor will teach you how to look at animals and understand how to replicate either a realistic or stylized version. Lessons will include information on anatomy, proportion, and what features to focus on to capture the essence of the animal.

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 page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.

Materials List

Basic Pottery Tool Kit, Apron, 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. 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 at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

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.
For questions regarding registration or 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 Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.