Learn a Southwest Native American Ceramics Technique

I'm pleased to report that Peter Flister has returned to the ceramics studio inside ArcWorks Community Art Center. We missed him here during the year while he was busy with school but he is back for a few summer workshops. We're squeezing out the sponges, shaking out the rags and starting with a handbuilding course that would be great for someone who is interested in this medium but is a bit intimidated by a wheel.

Ceramics Handbuilding (Age 15+)

Southwest Native American technique

Instructor: Peter Flister

Thursdays, June 21, 28 5:30-8 p.m.

In the Hopi and Acoma tradition, whether it be a cup, a bowl, or a vase, the vessels all start at the bottom. Potters working in the traditions of the ancient Southwestern cultures employ pukis, a shallow vessel used to shape a pottery vessel in place of a potter’s wheel.

Using a puki and clay tortilla students will learn techniques that have been used for nearly a thousand years. From a based formed in the puki clay is rolled into long strings and 'coiled' up to create the vessel's shape. With the aide of paddles and scraping tools the coils will be smoothed out until they become one solid wall.

In the first meeting, students will be given a demonstration and will complete one or more vessels. During the second meeting, students will glaze their pieces.

Course fee is $80 and registration required.

Contact Beth Mazzetta to register, bmazzetta@ne-arc.org or 978-624-2555.

ArcWorks Community Art Center is an inclusive art center, which means that we work to encourage members of our community of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to access and participate in the arts, to gain creative confidence and to challenge barriers through integration and innovation. We house an art gallery, gift shop and classroom space where we offer opportunities for all local artists and residents. We are proudly governed by the Northeast Arc, and offer programming to the people we serve along with the public.