A professional development event for East Central Indiana Art Teachers, hosted by the Art Education Association of Indiana, College of Fine Art, and the School of Art at Ball State University.
East Central Indiana art teachers are invited to spend a Saturday afternoon at Ball State University learning about exciting ceramics techniques. Participants will experience a combination of 2 of the following 3 options; Image transfer underglaze techniques, electric kiln maintenance and operation, basic throwing techniques on the wheel. Participants will choose from two, 2-hour sessions when registering. A smaller number of participants with advanced ceramics skills can elect to simply throw on the wheel for the entire afternoon (limited to 5 seats).
Image transfer on ceramics (8-10 Participants)
In this unit, participants will learn how to screen print using “EZ-Screens” with underglaze inks, directly on to flat clay or onto a flat newsprint surface that will be transferred to leather hard ceramic surface using a slip transfer process. Demonstrations and hands on exercises will include: Creating a transparency, creating and exposing a custom screen, screen printing with ceramic inks and underglazes, and slip-print transfer. It is a fun and low-tech way to bring drawing and color to ceramics for you and your students.
Studio Cone 6-10 stoneware clay will be provided.
* All work created will be taken home as unfired greenware.
Electric kilns: Operation, maintenance and repair (8-10 Participants)
In this unit we will discuss the everyday use, care, and maintenance, of electric kilns. We will discuss proper kiln loading, firing set up for manual or programmable kilns, as well as care for kiln shelves and posts. Through discussion and Q&A participants will gain a better understanding of kiln firing cycles and have more control over the firing process. A PowerPoint presentation will detail the process of kiln maintenance and repair including replacing kiln elements, kiln controller and relays.
Throwing: Basics refresher (8-10 Participants)
This class will offer basic throwing demonstrations and discussion. Proper techniques and working methods will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants will be given clay and basic throwing tools to practice these basics. 1-2 advanced throwing instructors will be available as rotating assistants to help and address common problems. Session is recommended for beginners or advanced throwers who would like to brush up on their basic skills. Studio Cone 6-10 stoneware clay will be provided.
* All work created will be taken home as unfired greenware.
Advanced throwing (4-5 participants)
This class is for advanced and self-led throwers who are looking for a “studio for the day” and access to wheels and clay (Note this is a 4 hour session). This is recommended for wheel throwers who are confident in their abilities and would just like the time and space to practice their craft. Basic tools are available, but participants may want to bring the tools that they enjoy using from their own practice. Studio Cone 6-10 stoneware clay will be provided.
* All work created will be taken home as unfired greenware.
Please arrive early by 11:00am. Lunch and information session, 11:30am-12:30pm. Session activities 12:30 – 5:30 pm. There will be a brief break between sessions.
This workshop is partially subsidized by financial donations from AEAI, the College of Fine Art and the School of Art at Ball State University.
Workshop registration fee: $25
Fee includes lunch at the Arts & Journalism Building (Sandwiches and light fare), refreshments (Coffee, drinks and light snacks) and all materials cost. You will need to use your credit card to pay the fee. See registration link below. Registration deadline: Friday April 4th by 5 pm.