Workshops
Upcoming workshop topics and dates are listed below.
If you have a suggestion for a workshop, or are interested in teaching, we’re always happy to hear from you. Email us at studio@amoca.org to start the conversation!
Artist Workshop Series
Quarterly workshops focused on artists and their signature techniques and approaches.
New workshops coming soon!
April 7, 2023 • Demonstration with MoonDoBang & Adam Field
Moon Byung Sik (MoonDoBang) and Adam Field demonstrated their methods for throwing a variety of wheel-thrown forms.
January 14-15, 2023 • Mette Maya: Abstractions in Clay
Danish artist Mette Maya visited the AMOCA studios for a two-day workshop on surface exploration and alternative building techniques.
November 19-20, 2022 • Christina Erives: Surface and Approach
Breaking Ground: Women in California Clay artist Chrisina Erives came to the AMOCA studios to offer a two-day workshop on surface and approach.
June 19, 2022 • Demonstration with Shiyuan Xu (Chicago / Hangzhou, China)
Xu came to AMOCA for a one-day workshop following a weeklong residency at Idyllwild Arts Academy. Presented in partnership with the Hot Clay program at Idyllwild Arts.
March 26-27, 2022 • Peter Callas: Expressionistic Forms (New Jersey)
The launch of the Artist Workshop Series featured a special masterclass by artist Peter Callas, internationally renowned for his skill and mastery of wood-firing with the Anagama kiln.
Skill Building Workshop Series
A series of weekend workshops focused on specific skills and techniques.
June 10, 11, & 17, 2023 • Soda Firing w/Sam Lopez
9 AM-5 PM June 10 & 11; 11 AM-2 PM June 17 • $300
This 3-day workshop will introduce students to the soda firing process and will include demonstrations for glazing, loading, firing, and spraying the sodium solution into the kiln. Students will be present the duration of firing and will participate in spraying soda and removing draw rings from the kiln to check coverage. During the firing, Sam will conduct throwing demonstrations and share his techniques with class participants. Students will return a 3rd day (following weekend) to unload the kiln to discuss the firing results and pick up finished work.
Each student is encouraged to bring between 10-13 pieces, no larger than 9 inches in any direction. Porcelain or white stoneware is recommended. AMOCA will provide flashing slip/glaze and wad the work as it goes into the kiln.
June 24 & 25, 2023 • Figurative Sculpture w/Biliana Popova
10 AM-4 PM Saturday & Sunday • $250
This ceramic sculpture workshop will be full of helpful information on solid sculpting a human figure. The focus will be on interpretation from 2D sketch to 3D format, giving special attention to the anatomy and balance of the sculpture. We will look at how the underlying skeleton, volume, and planes of the figure tie into one another and how subtle changes can add character to the piece. Adding texture and other sculptural elements will add another rich narrative layer.
The instructor will demonstrate solid sculpting techniques and cover simple anatomy, problem-solving solutions, and creative ways to create evocative sculptures. In addition, the disassembly, hollowing, and reassembly for firing, surface finishes, and slab-building techniques will be discussed. Time-lapse video and slide presentations will convey large amounts of information in a condensed format and will be enriched by live demonstrations addressing key details and participants’ needs.
January 28 & 29, February 1 & 4, 2023 • Soda Firing w/Nathan Stanfield • times vary • $350
This multi-day works will walk you through the process of soda firing, from glazing and wadding to kiln loading, firing, and spraying. Participants will learn how to soda fire, fire their own work, and delve into nuances of the firing process.
November 12-13, 2022 • Figurative Sculpture w/Aida Nicole Lugo Cantu • 10 AM–2 PM Sat & Sun • $150
This two-day bilingual workshop (English & Spanish) will include demonstration and hands-on participation. Class will meet 10 AM to 2 PM each day (Saturday and Sunday). Participants will learn hand-building techniques to create small studies of figurative sculptures.
October 22-23, 2022 • Steins, Beer, & Salt Firing w/T and Jon Pacini • 10 AM–3 PM / 10 AM–5PM • $225
Join southern California artists T and Jon Pacini for a Beer Stein-themed weekend! This 2-day workshop will include slide presentations on stein and ale bottle styles and a behind-the-scenes tour of AMOCA’s Mettlach Collection as well as demonstrations and throwing time in the studio. On Saturday, participants will create beer stein and ale bottle shapes on the wheel. On Sunday, we’ll learn lid decoration and handle-making to finish our vessels and get them ready for firing in the salt kiln. The weekend ends with a Sunday afternoon beer tasting.
July 9, 2022 • Architectural Incense Holders w/Eunbi Cho • 10 AM–3 PM • $75
Join Los Angeles-based artist Eunbi Cho for a three-hour skill building workshop. In this workshop, we’ll create architectural incense holders using hand-building and slab techniques.
April 9-10, 2022 • Mold Making w/Colby Charpentier • 10 AM–3 PM • $325
Join artist in residence Colby Charpentier for this two-day workshop will cover designing plaster molds primarily for slip casting and press molding clay. We will go over plaster mixing, hand-ladled molds, and multi-part molds. There will be a combination of demonstration and hands-on participation. Students are asked to bring a few small models and ideas. We will choose one plaster mold project per student to work on through the weekend. Some clay experience is helpful.
February 27, 2022 • Clay Whistles w/Colby Charpentier • 10 AM–1 PM • $75
November 5-13, 2021 • Soda Firing w/Richard Burkett
Many thanks to Richard Burkett of San Diego for kicking off our return to in person activities with a soda fire workshop November 5-13.
Thanks for your interest in workshops and classes at the AMOCA Ceramics Studio! If you have any questions, requests, or suggestions, send us an email at studio@amoca.org or reach us by calling (909) 865-3146.
Bring Some Culture to Your Inbox
301 N Garey Ave Pomona, CA 91767
909.865.3146 | studio@amoca.org
The Studio is open by appointment only.
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