Workshops
Clay with Baby
With Sarah | Friday June 13 & June 27 , 11 am - 12:30 pm | $35 per person, firing fees included
A clay class for caretakers! This is a hand building class where caretakers will be making pinch pots with baby. Moms, dads, and caretakers are all welcome. Bring baby along, as long as they are still not crawling away from you. Please bring whatever you need to keep baby comfortable, such as a cushion or blanket. Firing fees are included. First class is making pinch pots, second class is glazing your pot.
Handles
With Sarah | Friday June 27, 2-4:30 pm | $60 per person, firing fees included
Join us for a 2.5 hour workshop to learn all about making handles. Learn how to create handles that fit your pots structurally and visually. All materials are included in this workshop, though it is recommended you bring your own tools. Clay experience required. Members get 15% off with code MEMBERMULTI
Pit Firing
In this hands on workshop we will explore the experimental process of pit firing. Pit firing is a low temperature atmospheric firing process using sawdust where vapors from various combustible materials in the fire enter the open pores of the ceramic, leaving expressive marks. Over the course of the workshop participants will be introduced to a variety of techniques to create unique surfaces on their pieces, load, and fire the pit together. After letting the works smolder and cool overnight the group will reconvene the following day to unearth and take home the finished pieces. Emily will discuss different methods for sealing and caring for the work after firing.
Participants will be able to fire 6-10 bisqued pieces. Pieces should not exceed 6” on any side. Pieces must be bisqued in advance, Most clay bodies can be used - ideal are those that can withstand thermal shock. Flat or very thin work should be avoided. If making beads, please create a holding vessel. A variety of materials will be made available for creating different effects on the pieces during firing. All Pit-fired wares are for decorative use, are not safe for food, and may not hold water.
All experience levels are welcome.
Florals
Join artist Ester R Kislin for a hands-on ceramics workshop exploring the delicate intersection of nature and clay. Using guided hand-building techniques—including pressing, molding, and burnout casting—students will create lasting botanical sculptures inspired by live flora.
This immersive two-hour course includes:
Step-by-step instructions and creative guidance
Live still life arrangements and plant cuttings to work from
All tools and materials needed for porcelain construction
A selection of plants available for experimentation
Participants are welcome to bring their own plant cuttings to personalize the dipping process and final piece.
About the Instructor:
Ester R Kislin is an artist based on the North Fork, with a primary focus on ceramics.. Ester studied ceramics internationally in Italy, Japan, and Holland, and holds a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. She continued her ceramics studies post-grad as a resident at Hunter College and the European Ceramic Work Center and worked in numerous studios, creating and consulting for artists endeavoring to work in clay.
Esters' work draws inspiration from the natural world, blending interests in horticulture, botany, and universal symbolism. Deeply focused on process, Ester invents and experiments with unusual techniques and materials to create unique, whimsical, and colorful works.
Building On The Shelf
Learn to create complex works on the kiln shelf. This hands-on course will allow students to bring new ideas to life using methods that prevent breakage, warping, and other issues. Learn the ins and outs of constructing complex pieces that suffer the consequences of unmanaged variables.
For intermediate and advanced students
This immersive two-hour course includes:
Step-by-step instructions and creative guidance
Kiln shelf, clay, stained paper clay, and supports provided.
Come with a concept, or learn the process with the demo project.
A great continuation from the flower class, take your florals to the next level!
About the Instructor:
Ester R Kislin is an artist based on the North Fork, with a primary focus on ceramics. Ester studied ceramics internationally in Italy, Japan, and Holland, and holds a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. She continued her ceramics studies post-grad as a resident at Hunter College and the European Ceramic Work Center and worked in numerous studios, creating and consulting for artists endeavoring to work in clay.
Esters' work draws inspiration from the natural world, blending interests in horticulture, botany, and universal symbolism. Deeply focused on process, Ester invents and experiments with unusual techniques and materials to create unique, whimsical, and colorful works.
Second Saturday: China Painting Workshop with Cone Zero Ceramics
Off-site at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Sat, Sept 13, 11 am - 2 pm
$145 Adults Ages 18+ (includes Thomas Cole tour)
$125 Members Thomas Cole Site Members
Tickets are non-refundable
Maximum 12 people
Wheelchair accessible. The walking paths are loose gravel
Join Cone Zero Ceramics for this 3-hour workshop to learn how to paint floral designs onto ceramic plates like artist Emily Cole (1843–1913), "Catskill's China Painter." Finished pieces will be available for pickup at Cone Zero following the workshop.
Advance registration for this workshop is required.
All workshop materials, equipment, and firing fees are included in the ticket price as well as self-guided access the 1846 New Studio to see Emily Cole's work after the workshop.
Cancellation: All sales and bookings are nonrefundable. Ongoing classes, workshops, and events can be rescheduled up to 1 week prior.