Handbuilding Techniques: Building with Coils
About this Event
Handbuilding Techniques: Building with Coils
Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Utility Works Ceramic Studio
Discover the creative possibilities of clay in this immersive 5-week ceramics course focused on the art of coil building. Whether you're brand new to ceramics or looking to expand your handbuilding skills, this class will guide you through the process of designing and creating a large-scale sculptural piece from concept to completion.
Working alongside fellow artists and receiving individualized instructor feedback, you'll learn how to construct strong, expressive forms using traditional coil-building techniques. Throughout the course, you'll also explore a variety of surface design methods, including painting, glazing, underglazing, and working with mason stains to bring your sculpture to life.
The class concludes with a supportive peer critique and professional photographs of your finished artwork, giving you the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments and document your creative journey.
Course Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to Ceramic Sculpture
- Project presentation and design discussion
- Sketching and concept development
- Coil-building demonstration
- Begin construction of your sculpture
Week 2: Building Form and Structure
- Advanced coil-building techniques
- Studio work time
- Individual instructor feedback
Week 3: Surface Design Exploration
- Presentation on surface techniques
- Demonstrations of decorative approaches
- Finishing construction and preparing work for bisque firing
Week 4: Surface Treatment and Finishing
- Apply glazes, underglazes, paints, and stains
- Studio work time
- Prepare pieces for glaze firing
Week 5: Showcase and Reflection
- Installation and display of finished work
- Peer critique and discussion
- Professional photography session
What You'll Learn
✨ Coil-building techniques for creating sculptural forms
✨ Design and planning strategies for ceramic sculpture
✨ Surface decoration methods including underglaze, glaze, paint, and mason stains
✨ An introduction to influential ceramic sculptors and contemporary practices
✨ How to bring a ceramic project from initial sketch to finished artwork
No prior experience is required—just bring your curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Join us for five weeks of making, learning, and transforming clay into something uniquely your own.
Ages:
Recommended for ages 10+, with anyone age 10-13 welcome with an accompanying adult to supervise 1-on-1 for the duration of the class.
Parking:
- Street Parking is Metered
- The Highland avenue parking lot behind Dunkin Doughnuts is also available for parking, if there is not closer street parking.
About the Venue:
Utility Works is a 7,500 sq. ft. art studio building located at 32 East Baltimore Ave. in Lansdowne, PA. Our Space is home to 23 artist studios, a hot-desk co-working area, a MakerSpace classroom, a ceramic studio, an art gallery, and a juice bar.
Utility Works is operated by the LEDC (Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to fostering a human-centered ecosystem by supporting small businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores, entrepreneurs, artists, and makers.
About the Artist:
LEE is a mixed-media ceramic and fibers artist with focuse on the natural practices of sculpting using color, repetition, and patterning. Lee was born and raised in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and found his home as a 2019 Graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. He has dedicated his time to education that focuses on community engagement in hopes to encourage the creative mind.
LEE is the Studio Coordinator at Utility Works. Over the past year he has developed the studio into a community space for local artists. He continues his efforts of dedicated creative growth with the partnership of the Lansdowne community and the LEDC.
Accessibility:
Please note that this workshop takes place in the Utility Works basement, which is only accessible via stairs. The class requires participants to be able to sit and/or stand for at least three hours and use their hands for two hours. You must be able to lift 25lbs. There are two gender-neutral bathrooms available for students, including one that is ADA accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance so we can discuss potential accommodations.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 119.22 to USD 177.91
