Pottery Northwest - Workshops

As an organization with a deep commitment to education and the pursuit of excellence, we have offered a heady assortment of workshops with both guest, and local artists over the years.

The reasons one might consider taking a workshop are many. The obvious benefit of learning a technical insight is no more important than the opportunity to meet, and listen to, and question a working artist in your medium. Twenty years ago there were but a handful of "good" books on ceramics, but there were wonderful workshops. Now while we have a lot more books and this electronic venue as well, there is still no substitute for the personal contact a workshop provides. Certainly renewing your interest, expanding your horizons, having questions answered, and the awareness that you are not alone in the quest, are all part of fostering vitality in your own work. Our responsibility is to provide the best opportunities possible for you to further your journey.

Pre-NCECA Conference Workshops at PNW

Artists Speak for Themselves Gail Nichols & Walter Keeler: Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. Beth Cavener Stichter & Anne Drew Potter Saturday, March 24 at 7pm   Free admission. Open to the public.	Four Masters -- Two Workshops Saturday & Sunday March 24 & 25 10 am - 4 pm For more information, call 206-285-4421.	Workshop Fees $300 either Workshop (does not include firing with Gail Nichols) While there is still plenty of space to attend the workshop with Gail and Walter, the opportunity to fire with them is no longer available. Please call if you have questions!

Pottery Northwest has a history of putting dynamic artists together in a workshop scenario. The dialogue is stimulating for everyone, and the artists feed one another’s creative energy. In this pre-NCECA conference workshop we are hosting four exceptional artists in two demonstration workshops under one roof. In the west end of our studio, Gail Nichols and Walter Keeler, two virtuosos of vapor firing!

Gail Nichols Pottery Northwest is pleased to welcome Gail Nichols back to our studio. Known for her strong forms painted with fire, and for her unique firing method that has influenced a whole new generation of potters working with soda firing, she is a generous and dedicated workshop leader. Gail will lead a group through loading and firing the soda kiln(s) here at PNW, as well as demonstrating her elegant forming methods.

Walter Keeler Walter Keeler has been working in clay for over forty years. He attended the Harrow School of Art studying under Michael Casson. One of the U.K.’s leading potters Walter has produced a wonderful body of salt glazed stoneware.   If you opened a book on salt glaze in the past twenty years or so, you saw some of Walter’s beautiful pots.  Since the 90’s he has also amazed us with a stunning line of fluid earthenware. His forms are playful yet strong, and mindful of everything from milk cans to birds.

...or wander to the east end of the studio and see Beth Cavener Stichter and Anne Drew Potter, two virtuosos of the figure!

Beth Cavener Stichter Beth Cavener Stichter has been one of the most exciting figurative artist in the country for some years now. Not so long ago, she was an NCECA Emerging Artist, an Artist Trust Fellowship recipient, and we will always know Beth as the first Jean Griffith Fellowship Artist here at Pottery Northwest. Her animal figure sculptures are a revealing look at the human psyche as interpreted through animals as humble as the hare and as fairy tale inspiring as the wolf.

Anne Drew Potter Anne Drew Potter will be taking time from her residency in Germany as a Chancellor’s Fellow to share her considerable sculpture talent. A 2009 NCECA Emerging Artist, Anne Drew has crafted a body of work that is highly theatrical and challenges us to confront our notions of identity, gender, and self. The moment of encounter with the infinite possibilities of self... often arranged as an ensemble or tableaux, her figures are taught with that moment of revelation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much work should I bring if I am firing with Gail?
  3 cubic feet
• What is the limit in the firing workshop?
  12
• Can I glaze there?
  yes
• When can I glaze?
  Thursday and Friday, 1-5pm
• Can I ship my bisqued work to PNW in advance?
  Yes, ship to:
  Pottery Northwest
  226 First Avenue North
  Seattle, WA 98109
  (attn:Firing Workshop)
• What Clay can I use?
  Any clay rated cone 10
• What cone are we firing to?
  cone 10
• Will I make stuff?
  No. These are demonstration workshops.
• Are the artists available after the workshops?
  Yes, Beth will be working in the studio, and you are welcome to drop in.

• When is the loading?
  Saturday
• When is the firing?
  Saturday evening and Sunday
• When is the unloading?
  Tuesday noon

• Do I have to be there at the unloading?
  No, but seeing the results of the firing within the context of the kiln is a very valuable aspect of the workshop.

Registration Details

Registration Registration for workshops will be on a first-come-first-served basis by phone, by mail or in-person. Forms will be processed in the order received. You will be notified only if you do not secure placement in your first choice. When a workshop fills we create a waiting list. You may print and mail in the registration form, filled out completely with a check for the exact amount. Do not mail cash. You may register in person. Office hours are 10 am - 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday.	Workshop Fees Payment in full by check, cash, or paypal is due with registration.	Cancellation Policy If cancellation is less than two weeks prior to workshop, $50 will be withheld from refunds. After the first day of the workshop, no fees are refundable. We reserve the right to cancel workshops if the minimum enrollment is not reached, full tuition will be refunded.
Student Responsibilites As Pottery Northwest attempts to create a professional learning situation, class members are expected to participate in the loading, unloading, and firing of class kilns under the guidance of class instructors, and in studio maintenance and cleanup. Further, in keeping with the educational focus, student use of studio facilities to produce goods for commercial sale is not acceptable. Pottery-making can be a potentially hazardous activity. It is the responsibility of every student to exercise caution at all times within the Pottery.	Practice Times One of the best features of classes at Pottery Northwest is the extensive work time available to students. If there is not another class or workshop in session, with very few exceptions, you are welcome. We look forward to seeing you get dirty here!	Permission for Photography Please be aware your photo may be taken while you participate in activities at Pottery Northwest. Your participation in activities will be viewed as your permission to use such a photo for promotional purposes unless you direct Pottery Northwest otherwise.

Pottery Northwest
226 First Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-285-4421
info@potterynorthwest.org