Sonoma Community Center
Enriching lives through education and the arts — for Sonoma Valley and beyond
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Approachable Materials and Surface Design
In this class, students will be encouraged to approach ceramic materials with curiosity and possibility. Approachable Materials and Surface Design will begin by teaching students how to simplify the materials testing process with practical, hands on methods.
The class will begin with learning how to stain clay bodies by creating gradient color scales of 1-2 mason stains. From these test tiles, students will then choose their preferred saturation level to stain a batch of their own clay to create their desired project(s). In this eight week course, students will have the freedom to create projects of their choosing with one on one instructor oversight and assistance.
Along with staining clay, testing methods, and independent projects, each class begins with demonstration of different layering techniques that create interesting and unique surface designs. Students will also learn how to layer underglazes, engobes, oxide washes, and various application processes for each new material.
Amy Hamely
Instructor / Artist
Amy Hamley is a ceramic and fiber artist based in Sonoma, California. Driven by a dedication to traditional processes and material exploration, her work focuses on the possibilities and unlikely pairings of fiber and clay. Her teaching style aims to encourage students to approach materials with curiosity over fear, to simplify the testing process, and to help students achieve the results they hope for in developing their work.
When you register for a class, you’ll be offered three price tiers. The middle tier comes closest to what our registration fees used to be, and covers about 50% of the full cost of your participation in the class – with the other 50% covered by community donations. The first tier creates accessibility for people with limited income, while the third tier covers the full cost of participation – so that we can use community donations to support other people’s registration costs. When you choose to register at the third tier, you directly help support the Center’s efforts to remove financial barriers for others.
The Sonoma Community Center (the Center) strives to create an inclusive, safe community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The Center is committed to creating such an environment because it brings out the fullest potential in each of us, which, in turn, contributes directly to creating a community of belonging. In order to ensure a positive, safe, and welcoming experience for everyone, all program participants are asked to abide by the following policies, community agreements, and restorative safety protocol.
September 5, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Date: Tuesdays, September 5th – October 24th
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Total Sessions: 8
Instructor: Amy Hamley
Location: Room 117
Ages: Adult, 18+
Skill Level: Improver / Intermediate
Sliding Scale: $190 / $275 / $350
Financial Aid Available – Apply Here
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