Thursdays - Introduction to Handbuilding with Missy Hitch

In this course, students explore the basic physical properties of clay by practicing a variety of hand-forming techniques used to create functional objects. Hand-forming techniques will include, pinch pots, slab building, mold slumping, and texture. The objective is not to make pieces to take home, rather learning what is possible and allowing you to get your hands dirty and feel what it's like! No previous experience in clay is needed for this class. (an introduction class is a prerequisite for instructional open studio)

“Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools. The most common handbuilding techniques are pinch pottery, coil building, and slab building” -Ceramic Arts Network
 
Instructor
After nearly 20 years of working various administrative positions at OSU, Missy Hitch took a ceramics class and instantly fell in love with it.  When she's not following her teenage daughter around to bowling tournaments, she spends her time in the studio where she gets the opportunity to learn, explore, and create works of art.  After 5 years of working with clay, Missy became a ceramics instructor at Prairie Arts Center where she teaches hand building and beginning wheel classes.  Her focus as a maker is on building every day functional pieces like mugs, baking dishes, and teapots but she also makes decorative pieces and has led various workshops on ceramic projects, such as holiday gnomes and nativity scenes.  Over the years, Missy has learned some tips and tricks, which she happily shares with her students to make pottery fun and exciting.

Course type
 
3 weeks; class meets once a week for 3 hours (9 hours of instructional time)

Class time
 
Thursdays, September 15th - 29th, 1pm - 4pm

Tuition
 
$100members; $125 non-members

Ages
16 years old and up

Supplies included 
The course fee includes a 10lb bag of clay,  a basic toolset, and paints and/or glazes, and firing.

To RSVP please fill out our registration form here or call us at 405-744-1535.