Earth & Fire: Earthenware Pottery Workshop Series
Offered in Collaboration with FUSION: the Ontario Clay & Glass Association
Cost: $75 +HST
Dates: July 25, August 1, 8, 18, 19
Age 14+
Preregistration is required, see below for details
Objective:
Learn how to create your own pot hands-on by journeying through the various stages of pottery creation, from collecting clay and tools to preparing and shaping your pot for firing to completion.
Instructors:
Chris Snedden, FUSION: the Ontario Clay and Glass Association
Kim Lundberg, historic re-enactor
What to Expect
Day 1: Introduction
Date: July 25th, 2018
Time: 4 hours 5-9pm
Introduction to the workshop and guided tour of the feature pottery exhibit in the gallery, followed by a short presentation featuring the archaeology of Ontario earthenware pottery. Participants will be shown how to recognize and collect clay from natural deposits. Each participant will be encouraged to independently source and collect their own clay and natural tools for their project.
Day 2: Clay Preparation
Date: August 1st, 2018
Time: 4 hours 5-9pm
The workshop will reconvene in the village with independently gathered clay and tools (weather permitting). Instructors will demonstrate how to prepare their clay by grinding, sieving, and slaking.
Day 3: Making the Pot
Date: August 8th, 2018
Time: 4 Hours 5-9pm
Get creative and explore different methods of pot creation, from pinching to coiling and/or paddling. You will have a chance to roam the gallery for inspiration, or use your own creativity.
Day 4/5: Firing your Pot
Date: August 18th & 19th, 2018
Time: 5 Hours 11-4pm
From helping dig the pit in the village to uncovering the pots after they are fired, you will be involved in the entire process. After recovering the pots from the pit, there will be a ‘pot’luck picnic on the village grounds to celebrate the endo of the workshop.
As you create your pots, each step of the process will be documented and added to the ‘living’ exhibit in the Feature Gallery. You will then have the option to display your vessel in the exhibition that will formally be launched on September 6th and will remain on display until the end of December.
