2016 clay open-studio sessions offered

To fight winter doldrums, the Minot State University Art Program is offering clay open-studio sessions to the public during spring semester.

“To address an often-expressed community need, we have organized open-studio opportunities,” said Linda Olson, art professor. “We look forward to working with community members with an interest in our specialties.”

The price, assessed per session, is $20 for adults, $10 for MSU students and $5 for children. An adult must accompany children. Again, the proceeds from the open studio directly fund scholarships for ceramics students; this semester, proceeds will finance scholarships for students on the Ceramics in China study tour. Faculty work with participants depending on their needs to learn and grow in clay.

Please RSVP linda.a.olson@minotstateu.edu indicating interest, so that instructors can prepare and arrange for additional helpers if needed, but walk-ins are welcome.

To better organize these sessions, planned instruction is based on different areas of ceramic production. Class sessions, which are in Pioneer Hall from 6 to 8:30 p.m., are limited to the first 15 registrants, and registration is required. An additional five people who attended open-studio sessions previously and who wish to work more independently will be accepted. The schedule is as follows:

  • Tuesday (Feb. 9) — Use of basic hand-building techniques for those who want to create in clay, but have little or no experience. Basic hand-building techniques of pinch, coil and slab and equipment, such as the slab roller and coil extruder, will be demonstrated.
  • Feb. 11 — Continuation of basic hand-building techniques with assistance with creating pinch, coil and slab and using the slab roller and coil extruder.
  • Feb. 16 — Demonstration of basic throwing techniques of wedging, throwing; session for those with some clay experience, but little throwing experience.
  • Feb 18 — Continuation of basic throwing techniques with focus on trimming; assistance with throwing and trimming pots.
  • March 1 — Utilization of slip-casting techniques.
  • March 3 — Continuation of basic slip-casting techniques and assistance with slip-casting.
  • March 8 — First session of Family Week, where families create together.
  • March 10 — Family Week continues.
  • March 22 — Use of glazing techniques with a demonstration with glazing pottery and assistance with glazing pottery. This session is free to those who registered for two of the above sessions.
  • March 24 — Session free to those who registered for two of the above sessions.
  • March 29 and 31 — Open session for those who registered for the above sessions.
  • March 31 — Potluck sharing session in the studio.

To access the studio, individual should enter Pioneer Hall by the back door. For questions, contact Olson at linda.a.olson@minotstateu.edu.