Sonoma Community Center
Enriching lives through education and the arts — for Sonoma Valley and beyond
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Mold Making Made Simple; for Slabs and Tiles
November 11, 2023 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Date: Saturday November 11th – Sunday November 12th
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Total Sessions: 2
Instructor: Kala Stein
Location: Outside (Red Barn or back of Kiln Shed)
Ages: Adult, 18+
Skill Level: All Levels, some clay experience necessary
Sliding Scale: $250 / $300 / $400
Financial aid available
About the class
NEVER MADE A MOLD BUT WANT TO LEARN HOW? This workshop is for you!
Interested in increasing your efficiency and productivity in the studio? Molds are a great tool to help create multiples of the same thing and can also be used as a jumping off point for creative improvisation.
In this workshop, students will make one part molds for functional pottery, tiles, or relief pattern designs. Simple 2-part molds for press molding and slip casting will also be covered, but not the primary focus. Lectures and demos will cover the etiquette of working with plaster in a community studio, proper plaster mixing, how to “read” undercuts and determine what is an appropriate model for a plaster mold. Participants are asked to make or use found simple objects because not every object is appropriate to make a mold from and there will be time in class to make a tile and mold of it.
Kala will provide a comprehensive demo in her studio, just down the block, to share her mold library, and a range of applications for molds. Interested in attending but would like more information? Please attend the Free Pre-Workshop Consultation & Introduction with Kala on Zoom to prepare, help determine what to make a mold of or to decide if you want to attend. Kala will provide a comprehensive intro to the class structure, feedback on proposed objects for mold making, and the opportunity to trouble shoot any questions or concerns before the workshop weekend begins. A recording will be shared if you cannot attend the date of the zoom (to be announced)
Pre Class Zoom Session; Tuesday November 7th, 6:00-7:00pm
What to bring: Students should come with ideas for their tile design (shape and texture if any) as well as found tableware (plastic or metal) and/or simple leatherhard clay forms (no handles please); your clay tools, apron, water bottles, bagged lunch, notebook or sketchbook.
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.
About the instructor
Artist / Instructor
Kala Stein (b.1979) is an artist and designer working at the intersection of craft, design, and new technologies. Her work explores notions of beauty through efficient systems of making, intentional materials, and innovative approaches to fabrication including molding and casting techniques.
Kala designs and produces custom ceramic work for private homes, the hospitality industry, and corporate clients. She teaches and exhibits her work throughout the US and internationally.
Kala received her MFA in Ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2009. She stayed on at Alfred to teach ceramics and curate at the Cohen Gallery from 2009-2015.
For seven years, Kala served as the Director of Sonoma Ceramics & Arts at Sonoma Community Center, where her community-focused work was to support organizations, schools, and private practitioners to operate with sustainable and inclusive practices through arts advocacy and expanded opportunities.
Her studio is located at 148 E. Napa Street in Sonoma and is open by appointment. Kala is currently accepting inquiries for both corporate commissions and learning/teaching opportunities.
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