Get fired up for clay
Love the idea of creating with clay but intimidated by the thought of the throwing wheel? A new series of clay classes offered at the Newport Visual Arts Center will explore clay building and carving.
Clay Handbuilding
Artist Chasse Davidson will offer two five-week clay classes, with both morning and evening options, focusing on clay handbuilding. The first session will run on Tuesdays from May 3 to 31 and the second session will run from June 2 to 30.
The classes are open to all skill levels, age 14 and older. Students will explore pinched forms and slab construction and receive an introduction to glazing. More experienced students can expand their skills with more complex projects.
Davidson began her journey with clay 28 years ago as she studied ceramics in high school and college. She began teaching ceramics in 2011 at Toledo Clayworks, where she assumed management in 2015. Today, she works in her home studio in Newport and continues to encourage the growth of the coastal clay community through her involvement with the VAC’s new ceramic studio.
A $175 registration fee for each five-week session covers clay, glazes and firing fees. Each session has a maximum of eight students. Additional time will be available to work on projects outside of class time.
Clay Carving
Clay carving is a relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by anyone — no clay or art experience is required. Learn the basic skills of removing clay to reveal a design, then apply your new skills to carve two tiles that can be used as a coaster, wall hanging or any other object you can imagine.
Sara Siggelkow will lead two individual classes on May 5 and May 18. Open to all skill levels, ages 16 and older.
Siggelkow is the arts education manager for the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. She is also a fiber, paper and teaching artist. Her work has been in multiple galleries in Colorado and Wisconsin, in addition to the Lincoln County Cultural Center and the Newport VAC.
Registration fee is $30 per class. All materials and tools are provided.
The Newport Visual Art Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive. For more information and to register, go to coastarts.org/adultarts.