Odyssey ClayWorks COVID-19 Update + Spring Classes and Workshops and Summer Kids Clay Camps

Odyssey ClayWorks shared this COVID-19 update along with their upcoming schedule:

Hello students, customers, friends,

After a lot of careful deliberation, we have decided to close Odyssey ClayWorks for two weeks. We have a tentative re-opening date of Monday, March 30th, and will be in touch if that changes. The studio as well as the gallery will be closed to students, customers, and the greater public.

Our Spring Session of classes, set to start today, will be postponed two weeks. Our 8 week classes will re-start on Monday, March 30th and run through the week of May 25th (not including May 18th-22nd, due to our 5-day Amazing Glaze Workshop). Our 6-week classes will run as planned. If you would like to reserve your spot, we will keep you in the class and be in touch closer to the re-start. If you would like to have a credit for a future class or workshop, that can be arranged as well.

Thank you so much for your understanding during this time. We hope you and yours stay safe and healthy! We look forward to having you all back in the studio soon!

Best,
Odyssey ClayWorks

www.odysseyclayworks.com


Spring 2020

March 16th – May 15th, 2020

The Figure, Abstracted
Leonid Siveriver
Mondays 6-9pm
March 16th – May 4th
The objective of this course is to develop a mastery of the human form in 3 dimensions based on a live model, and then add an abstract spin. We will be inspired by both the human form, as well as the geometric and abstract capabilities of clay. The result is a unique and expressive modality which captures the vitality of the human spirit. This class is open to all levels.

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Tuition: $350 + $75 Lab & Live Model Fee


Better Work, Hotter Fire
Gillan Doty
Thursdays 6:30 – 9pm
March 19th – May 14th
No Class April 9th

Sign up now for a chance to fire your work in our brand-new salt kiln! This class will be dedicated to exploring dynamic surfaces at Cone 10. We will achieve intriguing surfaces by using reduction firing techniques and by utilizing a variety of slips and glazes. During class, we will focus on making more complex forms on the potter’s wheel by stacking pieces together to create taller, more intriguing pots.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced

Tuition: $310 + $65 Lab Fee


The Realm of Red Clay
Sara Ballek
Fridays 10 am – 12:30 pm
March 20th – May 15th
No class March 27th

Join Sara Ballek this session as she dives into the magical realm of red clay. We will be working with a red clay body fired at midrange temperatures to create rich, distinctive works of art. Sara will introduce surface design processes and finishing methods to refine each piece. Students interested in this course should have some knowledge on working with clay and understanding of a few basic construction techniques.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced

Tuition: $310 + $50 Lab Fee


Matt’s Class
Matt Wegleitner
Thursdays 3 – 5:30pm

April 2nd – May 7th

Come experience the love of clay! Join instructor Matt Wegleitner and learn the skills needed to create decorative, hand-built, and functional pottery. Demonstrations will include pinch, coil, and slab techniques with a focus on creating interesting surfaces and unique forms. We’ll also cover the basics of glazing and firing your work. All skill levels welcome.

Level: All levels

Tuition: $245 + $45 Lab Fee


Me, You and Raku
Paul Gisondo
Mondays 11am – 1:30pm
April 6th - April 27th

Create dramatic wheel thrown forms with Raku in mind and in preparation for an incendiary day of hand-on firing with Raku Guru Paul Gisondo. Students will learn faceting and how to create trapped air forms, as well as how to throw towering vases in 2 parts. We will use tape and wax resist design techniques and glaze our work with a variety of crackle, iridescent luster and matte glazes. For adventurous intermediate (and above) wheel throwers.

Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Tuition: $200 + $35 Lab Fee


Muddy Makers

Ages 8-12
Paige Janeri
Tuesdays 4 - 6pm
March 31st – May 5th

The process of working with clay is fun, creative, and expressive! “Muddy Makers” is great for students looking to meet other creative kids, while shaping, sculpting, and decorating projects you can take home and use. We will also get a chance to work on the potter’s wheel! Join Paige on this journey to learn the basics of clay, make friends, and have fun in the studio!

Tuition: $225
$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class


Ready, Set, Throw! One Night Pottery Classes

Friday, May 8th, 7 – 9pm
Ever wanted to try your hand at the pottery wheel? Have you always wanted to learn to throw but you’re not sure if you want to commit to an 8-week class? Or maybe you and some friends are just looking for something different to do in Asheville on a Friday night. Well, look no further. Ready, Set, Throw is here!
Even if you’ve never touched clay before, our highly skilled staff will guide you through the entire process. It’s the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun! All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Level: All Levels, Beginners Welcome

Tuition: $55 Per person, per night


Kiln Maintenance for Great Firings
Les Powell
unday, March 22nd
9:30 am- 4:30 pm

Want to know more about your electric kiln? Maybe how to maintain it and ensure that it lasts forever? Join Kiln Tech Les Powell, trained by Skutt, for a day dedicated to all things electric kiln. Les will show you how to replace elements, relays, bricks, and wiring. He will also demonstrate a number of best practices for loading and programs that will optimize your firings. Get the insider’s view on how to maximize your kiln’s performance.

Levels: All Levels
Tuition: $135


Plaster and Clay
Tyler-James Anderson
April 17th – 19th
Friday 6-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm

Join Tyler and learn the fundamentals of mold making and how to utilize plaster to accentuate your hand building and wheel throwing. Demonstrations will include how to design and cast feet, knobs, handles and other decorative elements for your pots. Students can expect to learn the basics of plaster mold making and how to implement those tools in non-traditional manners, resulting in some truly fun and highly replicable work.
Plaster

Level: All Levels
Tuition: $275 (all materials included)


Amazing Glaze
Gabriel Kline
May 18th – May 22nd
Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Do you hate glazing? I mean, do you really HATE glazing?  Have you experienced the frustration of making a beautiful piece, then ruining it with flawed, or perhaps worse, boring glaze? Would you rather spend your time doing just about ANYTHING else, even cleaning your studio? Then this is the workshop for you! Join best-selling author of the book, Amazing Glaze, as he reveals the techniques that will help you learn to love the glazing process, achieve more dynamic results, and get your work noticed. Topics will include under and overglaze decoration, glazing large and delicate work, spraying glazes, and multiple firings. We will also examine the basics of formulating, mixing, and altering a glaze.

Level: Seasoned Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

Tuition: $595 + $75 Lab Fee, Includes a copy of the book Amazing Glaze.


*****

Clay Camp 2020

June 8th – August 14th, 2020
10 weeks
Ages 5 - 17

A Bug’s Life
Ages 5 – 8
Paige Janeri

June 8 – 12, 9am – 12pm

What do you think of bugs? Are they eww gross? Or way cool?! One thing is for certain, they are super important for a healthy planet. We can learn a lot from these little critters, and in this camp, we will do just that! We’ll dig in the dirt and watch our ideas take flight. Come on all you earthworms and ladybugs! Let’s party!


It's Wheely Fun!
Ages 8 – 12
Halima Flynt

June 8 – 12, 2 – 5pm

Learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel during this “wheely” fun camp! We will make and decorate mugs, bowls, flower vases and more! Join Halima for a fun camp with an upbeat atmosphere. Let’s go for a spin!


FUNctional Figures
Ages 8 - 12
Sara Ballek

June 15 – 19, 9am – 12pm

Have you ever seen a fox turn into a coffee mug? Or used a unicorn horn for an ice cream cone? In this camp we will be learning how to make several types of pots and will add details to give them their own personality! The focus will be on getting students comfortable using the wheel while having the creative freedom to turn their pots into fun characters along the way!

Pedal to the Metal
Ages 8 – 12
Kelsey Sickmeyer

June 15 – 19, 2 – 5pm

We are going to go learn how to use a pottery wheel to make cups, bowls, vases and plates! Students will learn different ways to decorate these vessels, and once finished, they will be food safe treasures for the whole family! This is a fun exploration of the clay studio for kids age 8-12.


On Your Marks, Get Centered, Throw!
Ages 6 – 10
Sara Ballek

June 22 – 26, 9am – 12pm

Handmade pottery is a great way to add some fun and creativity to your meals! What if you had the chance to make some of your own? Students will learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel to create a variety of objects for daily use. We will also explore painting, decorating and sculpting to add final touches to our masterpieces!


Set the Table
Ages 8 – 12
Amy Briggs

June 22 – 26, 2 – 5pm

It is scientifically proven that food taste better off of dishes you made yourself! Learn how to fill the kitchen cabinet with one of a kind bowls, cups, and plates that your family will love to use for years to come. Ding! Ding! Ding! Come to the table! Dinner’s ready!


Sculpting the Animal Kingdom
Ages 5 – 8
Instructor TBD

June 29 – July 3, 9am – 12pm

In this class we will explore the animal kingdom by making our favorite animal pals out of clay. Students will make a few animals per day on a small scale but will take on a larger project over the course of the week. On the last couple of days, we will paint our animal creations with a colorful palette that brings them to life!


Round and Round
Ages 6 – 10
Halima Flynt

June 29 – July 3, 2 - 5pm

You will learn how to work on the potter’s wheel in this fun-packed creative camp! We will be learning all sorts of hand-building and wheel-throwing skills to create amazing works of art that you can use! Bring all of your creative and interesting ideas and we will turn them into reality.


Advanced Wheel
Ages 8-14
Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 6 – 10, 9am – 12pm

This is the camp for students who have taken at LEAST one camp or class at Odyssey in the last year or two that was focused on the potter’s wheel. Students will be encouraged to develop their throwing skills to create bigger and better vessels on the wheel! We will move faster and have more freedom, so start sketching some ideas now and we will make them come alive!


Claying with Your Food
Ages 6 – 10
Paige Janeri

July 6 – 10, 2 – 5pm

Food is something that everybody needs, deserves, and enjoys! In this week of camp, we will prepare some of our personal favorites in the clay studio. No experience or prior knowledge of clay is necessary to enjoy hand building sculptures that resemble our favorite things to eat. We will literally be playing with our food! Students will have the opportunity to use the wheel to make a bowl or plate to serve their favorite meals. These fun exercises will get us thinking creatively about what we like to eat and get us talking about the importance of balanced nutrition.


Lovely Luminaries
Ages 6 – 10
Amy Briggs

July 13 – 17, 9am – 12pm

Light up your life this week while learning how light and clay work together. During this camp, we will create votives, candleholders, luminaries and lamps you can use at home. Plus, you’ll get a chance to try the potter’s wheel! Shine your brightest light!


Find Your Spirit Animal
Ages 8 – 12
Paige Janeri

July 13 – 17, 2 – 5pm

We can learn a lot from nature when we observe animals in the wild. We can observe their natural characteristics and habits. In this week of camp, we will dig into some clay and explore our spirit animals. No experience or prior knowledge of clay is necessary to enjoy creating hand-built sculptures and wheel thrown vessels that resemble our favorite animals.


Here We Throw!
Ages 5 – 8
Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 20 – 24, 9am – 12pm

Wheel 101- Come dressed to make a mess!
We are going to go learn how to use a pottery wheel to make cups, bowls, vases and plates! Students will learn different ways to decorate these vessels, and once finished, they will be food safe treasures for the whole family!


Fantastical Sculptures
Ages 5 – 8
Kristen Easters

July 20 – 24, 2 – 5 pm

In this class, we will explore the depths of your imagination and create fantastical creatures from fairy tales, myths, and legends. Fairies, dragons, mermaids, elves and gnomes will all make an appearance in the studio this week. If you can dream it up, you can make it come to life in clay!


Dream BIG
Ages 8 – 12
Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 27 – 31, 9am – 12pm

This week we will focus on HANDBUILDING strategies to make BIG pots and sculptures that you actually get to KEEP! We are aiming for 1-2 foot sculptures and vessels. We’ll warm up to proper construction methods on the first day with 1-2 smaller pieces that we will raku on the last day, and then spend the rest of the time focusing on just 2-3 larger pieces- constructing them well so they can survive the firing, while bringing those dreams to life! Come with BIG ideas :)


The Secret Life of Clay Pets
Ages 6 – 10
Sara Ballek

July 27 – 31, 2 – 5pm

Calling all animal lovers! This is the camp for you! In this class, students will create animals out of clay while learning all about the clay studio. We will be focusing on using handbuilding methods to create colorful creatures and habitats! We’ll also use the potter’s wheel to create bowls and plates so you can feed them! Join Sara for this week on the wild side!


Fun, Colorful Clay
Ages 5 – 8
Kristen Easters

August 3 – 7, 9am – 12pm

In this camp, designed for the youngest age group, we’ll create beautiful and functional pottery forms on and off the potter’s wheel. We’ll decorate our masterpieces using colors we love and fire them so that you can use them at home for years to come. Join Kristen for a colorful and fun week in the studio!


Young Potter’s Wheel Camp
Ages 8 – 12
Amy Briggs

August 3 – 7, 2 – 5pm

Ready? Set? Throw! Let’s explore what clay can do! We’ll use the potter’s wheel to make cereal bowls, candlesticks, storage jars and more. Join Amy as she shows you how to spin some amazing creations in the studio!


Handbuilt Habitats
Ages 5 – 8
Halima Flynt

August 10 – 14, 9am - 12pm
Explore your favorite animals and their habitats in this super fun week of clay activities. We’ll learn to draw animals and sculpt them out of clay. Then we’ll make homes for them to live in! We’ll build birds’ nests and fishbowls and so much more! Plus, we’ll even get a chance to use the potter’s wheel!

Onward and Upward!
Ages 10 – 14
Amy Briggs

August 10 – 14, 2 – 5pm

Let’s go big! In this class, we’ll roll slabs, coil, and pinch pots so big they will blow your mind! The sky is the limit in this class, so bring your imagination and we will make your big ideas into reality.

Tuition: $235

$25 discount for a sibling in the same camp. Use discount code claycamp25.