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About the Symposium
Step into the world of surface design with a full day of design demos led by incredibly local artists. Each artist will demo 4 times throughout the day, and participants will have a chance to cycle through all sessions with each artists, getting a crash course in a variety of surface design options for your pots. Once enrolled you will be assigned (day of) a group that will dictate which demonstration you will begin with. All groups will get a chance to see all demo-ing artists.
Full Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Meet in Room 110 for coffee & introductions |
| 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | 1st round of demos |
| 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM | 2nd round of demos |
| 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | 3rd round of demos |
| 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM | 4th round of demos |
| 5:00 PM | Pizza party in the Secret Garden |
Lunch is not provided. Please plan to bring your own bagged lunch.
There are also many places downtown to grab a quick bite.
Location
Meet in Room 110
Demo’s will be held throughout the building in Room 110, 116, 117, and 209
Date & Time
Sunday, October 19, 2025
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pizza Party to follow after
This Session
October 19, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Experience Level
All Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAges
Adults and Teens 17+
About the Presenting Artists
Lynn Wood
Presenting Newsprint Transfers
Demo: This presentation will feature a number accessible and varied techniques with news print, underglazes and slips. While simple, these techniques can really boost your work to the next level with color. Design considerations will also be featured in this session.
Bio: At age 40, I made the transition to full time potter. I never looked back. Clay has been my best teacher. The appeal of clay has sustained: it responds so readily to the touch, directing and challenging me to continue exploring. For me this meditative process allows ideas to develop and allows clay itself to have a voice in my work.
Barbara Schwartzberg
Presenting Texturing with Linocuts
Demo: In this workshop segment, students will learn how to make their own texture mats by carving flexible linoleum blocks. Participants will learn how to transfer designs, use linoleum carving tools, and imprint their impressions onto clay slabs. Students will be shown a variety of texture techniques using large and small hand carved linoleum mats, which will include handbuilding a mug and tray.
Bio: Barbara Schwartzberg received her ceramic instruction through years of community classes and workshops. Barbara draws much of her inspiration from Asian art seen during trips to Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. Her current body of work is inspired by studio research in Jingdezhen, China, which culminated with an exhibit at the Menlo Studio Gallery.
Lexi Bakkar
Presenting Glaze Inlay, Two Ways
Demo: In this workshop, Lexi will demonstrate two techniques for inlaying glaze. The first is traditional mishima, where designs are carved into leather-hard clay. The second uses wax resist to create intricate patterns. This workshop is ideal for those interested in adding fine line drawings to their ceramic pieces. There will also be a hands-on portion, giving you the chance to try both techniques yourself!
Bio: Lexi Bakkar is a mom who likes to play with clay. Based in Sonoma California.
Bonnie Barrett
Presenting Unconventional Applications with Slip & Stain
Demo: Right at your finger tips! This demo will explore using colored slips, wax, stains, and all the tools to play with surface available to members at SCC in unconventional and creative ways
Bio: Bonnie Barrett holds a BFA with an emphasis in ceramics from SF State University, currently a monitor at SCC, after a long hiatus busy crating a body of work to share with the world!
FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
