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Visiting Artist Demo with Todd Barricklow: Slab Vessels and Sgraffito Demo
Join our 4-hour ceramic demo! Master large-scale slab building and Sgraffito carving. Learn vessel construction and clay surface design.
program overview
Join us for a dynamic, professional four-hour workshop that bridges the worlds of structural form and intricate surface design. Drawing from a rich background in printmaking and design, your instructor will guide you through his process of creating substantial ceramic works with compelling visual narratives.
- Segment 1: Large-Scale Slab Building Demo (2 Hours): Discover the architecture of clay as we spend the first half of the class focusing on the construction of a large vessel. Todd will demonstrate how to roll out slabs, manage drying times, and assemble pieces that maintain their integrity through the firing process.
- Segment 2: Sgraffito Surface Design (2 Hours): Explore the history and modern application of Sgraffito. This segment covers essential tools, composition strategies, and carving methods. You will learn the importance of the “sweet spot”—the perfect moisture level for carving—to ensure clean designs.
To fully immerse you in the technique, every participant will be provided with a pre-prepared greenware tile coated in black slip. This will allow you to practice carving techniques that can serve as a texture reference on your clay. Dive in to the structural possibilities of clay and the graphic potential of its surface! Please note: Your tiles are for practice and will not be fired after the class.
instructor Overview
Todd Barricklow
Todd Barricklow is the eldest son of two puppet-making school teachers. He fled the San Fernando Valley in 1987 to attend Sonoma State University and study humanities and ceramics. He graduated with Distinction 1992 with a BA in Ceramics. He was an Artist In Residence at the Kohler Company in Wisconsin in 1999 where he learned more than he ever thought he wanted to know about toilets and also fell in love with technique of Sgraffito. He works in ceramics, woodblock, and metal. Todd lives in Santa Rosa where he has several home studios and can be found in the yard, in the studio, or in front of the espresso machine.
Website: toddbarricklow.com
Instagram: @toddbarricklow
Membership Has It’s Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class 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.
Registration Cost:
$65
Materials Fee:
Included
Total Registration Cost:
$65
