Shape Shifting

Shape Shifting

Fall 2026
Dates: September 1 - November 17, 2026 (12 classes with 14 weeks of studio access)
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Paul Wisotzky

This class, intended for intermediate to advanced students, will focus on using various forms of altering to create functional pots that all start on the wheel.  It will include creating and assembling multi-component forms, adding hand-built elements, subtracting material, and paying attention to the surface, both in the wet and leather-hard stages. We’ll explore a variety of utilitarian pottery forms, including cups and mugs, serving dishes, and lidded vessels, among others. We will spend time each session sharing work in progress and discussing function, aesthetics, and the technical challenges of creating altered pots.  We will create some of the tools we will use to produce the work.   Two sessions will be devoted solely to decorating and glazing, including using sponge stamps to apply and layer glazes, slips, underglazes, and wax resist.  

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 fall courses will be open from July 21 at 10:00am through July 24 at 3:00pm. Visit our Registration Policies page for detailed instructions on how to register.

Materials List

• Basic Pottery Tool Kit, Surform Shaver or Mudtools Shredder, Bat Pins, Bats, Apron, Small Towel, Fettling Knife

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: $150 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $555 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,195 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 8,600 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 December 4, 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 Manager, Ji-Eun Kim. 

For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.