JDCAC Ceramics Studio
Who We Are
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) Ceramics studio is a creative space with many artistic and educational opportunities for the community. The studio offers a wide variety of ceramic classes for the absolute beginner as well as experienced potters. The JDCAC Ceramics Studio is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself or your children to the creative possibilities of clay!
Independent studio memberships are also available pending approval from the studio coordinator or by taking two full eight week courses. Our studio is equipped with professional pottery throwing wheels, a stainless steel extruder, a slab roller, multiple hand mixed glazes, commercial-grade firing kilns, and pug mills. Our studio space serves the artistic needs of the community, providing residents with the creativity, inspiration, and encouragement to create ceramic works. The studio is designed so that individuals may work in a relaxed environment where ingenuity soars.
Classes
Our instructors offer a selection of top-notch classes that range in skill level and age. Below is a list of ceramics classes coming this summer! Please view the Parks and Recreation program brochure for more detailed information on the many classes Parks and Recreation offers. Current Calendar
CERAMICS INDEPENDENT STUDIO FOR ADULTS
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and pottery and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is located at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in out studio which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels. A selection of clay will be available for purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be purchase through MyRec. All Independent Studio memberships will be required to sign into the studio each day, assist in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. $80 per quarter.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | MTWRF | 12/1 - 2/28 | 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334)501-2944 • [email protected]
SCULPTING - CARVING
Come and join me as we create at least one canvas sculpture! This sculpture can be of anything you like. The instructor will guide you on how to use a slab roller to make your canvas. Also, instructions on use of tools, techniques, and blending underglazes will be discussed. Bring your photo or a picture or use one provided for your piece. No experience is necessary. Let's have fun! $110/Participant + $30/materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Dates(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14+ | R | 1/9 - 2/20 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703 - 6140 • [email protected]
WEEL THROWING - FACE JUGS
This class is designed for students who have successfully thrown a well-made cylinder at least 6-8 inches tall. We will start by making a couple of cylinders of various heights. Afterwards, we will focus on techniques to trim and add attachments which includes adding our facial expressions to our jugs. No realism of facial features required. Come and have fun making at least two functional jugs! $110/participant + $30/materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14+ | R | 12/13 - 1/23 | 5:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 702 - 6140 • [email protected]
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE CERAMIC LESSONS
Private instruction for one on one, or semi-private lessons for a small group of, participants. These lessons are geared towards individuals wanting to learn and create assorted items with clay. Learn wheel throwing or hand building, along with glazing and decorating techniques! To be eligible for ceramic, private lessons please register. Once we have your contact information, we, will gather more information about dates and times. You will then be invoiced, through the MyRec website. No experience necessary. $25 + $15 Materials Fee (per person) per two-hour session.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7+ | By request | 12/1 - 2/28 | By-appointment | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703-6140 • [email protected]
ADVANCED POTTERY TECHNIQUES WITH MARIA
This class is designed for students who have previously taken the ALL ABOUT CYLINDERS course. We will briefly review techniques and tips for throwing 6-8 inch cylinders. Afterwards, we will focus on cylinder height by throwing with larger amounts of clay. The goal in this course is to produce well-made cylinders that are 8-12 inches in height or taller based on experience and as time permits. Come and have fun. No expectations on number on cylinders required! $110/Participant + $25 Materials.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 1/13 - 3/03 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad• (334) 663-8929 • [email protected]
FOUNDATIONS OF WHEEL-THROWN POTTERY
Whether it's your first time around or you're dusting off old skills, this course will provide a light-hearted, supportive atmosphere in which to explore fundamental techniques for throwing vessels on the wheel. Learn to create table-ready bowls and cups, exploring different shapes as confidence grows! Other skills that may be offered as students show readiness include plate making, trimming recessed feet and attaching handles. Throughout the course, you will also have access to JDCAC's Ceramics Studio to practice on a wheel during open studio hours. Consistent attendance is essential for success, since we cover new material each week. Kindly confirm that you can attend all seven class sessions before enrolling, as this course always has eager folks on the wait list, and because once the quarter begins, full refunds are not possible, due to 30% plus the materials fee being subtracted. We will be off for 2/18 to facilitate the last bisque firing in preparation for the final glazing session. $165/participant + $35 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | T | 1/7 - 2/25 (off 2/18) | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Annika Lee • (334-663-1749) • [email protected]
MAKING YOUR OWN CERAMIC NATIVITY WITH MARIA
Are you looking for festive things to do? Come and learn how to make your own ceramic Nativity in this fun, hands-on pottery class! This early Christmas activity lets you enjoy the handmade piece over the holidays. Come and have a fun time designing your Christmas set! This class is for beginners and more advanced students willing to explore hand-building techniques in designing your Christmas decorations. We will design and decorate a 6 to 8-piece set. Since this class will accommodate beginners and more experienced students, you do not need ceramic skills. Clay, glazes, and kiln firing costs are included in the material fee, and essential tools are available in the ceramic studio. $70/Participant + $20/Materials.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 12/9-12/16 | 6 - 8:20 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad • (334-663-8292) • [email protected]
POUR OVER COFFEE SLOW DRIPPER WORKSHOP
Are you passionate about ceramics and coffee? Combine your love of both in our special December workshop where you'll enjoy coffee while you create your very own slow drip coffee cone! Perfect for coffee enthusiasts and ceramic lovers a like, this two-day workshop will guide you through the process of designing and shaping your own unique ceramic piece. This workshop is geared for beginners to intermediate and advanced ceramic builders a like. $30/Participant + $10/Materials.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ | WR | 12/4-12/5 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334) 501-2944 • [email protected]
YOUTH LEARNING TO MAKE POTTERY ON THE WHEEL
Make your world turn 'round and 'round as you learn the basics of making pottery on a wheel. We will work on the basics of throwing (working on the potter's wheel) beginning with centering the clay. From there we will pull cylinders and learn to make bowls. Throughout the classes you will make discoveries about the fascinating process of turning wet clay into useful, functional pieces. While it may look like magic, there are specific techniques for working on the wheel that you will learn and practice to successfully create your functional clay pieces. We will glaze our fired pieces on the last day of class (March 1). Finished work will be ready to pick up within two weeks of the end of class. Materials fee covers clay, firings, and glazes. Please register only if you plan to attend all scheduled classes, as make-up classes cannot be arranged. $120/participant + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-17 | SA | 1/11-3/1 | 9:30 - 11 a.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Amy Kaiser • (334) 821-0916 • [email protected]
Upcoming Events
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 9, a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please note that after the quarter has begun, hours may change. An updated calendar will be available upon request after the start of the quarter.
Independent Studio
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering.
The Ceramics Studio is located inside the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in our studio, which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels.
A selection of clay will be available to purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be bought through MyRec. All Independent Studio members will be required to sign into the studio each day, aid in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. Price is $80 per quarter.
To purchase a ceramic transfer please visit the studio prior to purchasing to see a current list of designs available.
Any person interested interested in becoming an independent studio member must meet one of the following three criteria:
- Taken a minimum of two classes at the Jan Dempsey Ceramics Studio within the past two calendar years. Only classes that are 7 weeks or longer count towards independent membership.
- Completed 16 hours of private lessons with a studio instructor.
- Have comparable professional experience or completed a ceramics degree in the last five years.
If the above requirements are met, an interview and studio tour can be scheduled with the studio director to decide independent membership status. Once given permission by the studio director, members can register for independent membership. Members who need assistance registering can visit the Harris Center at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. Examples of work and experience must be presented.
For more information about the Ceramics Studio or the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at [email protected] or by calling 334-501-2944