In this one-day demonstration and workshop, Dawn Candy will show various techniques for developing rich surfaces on clay forms. Dawn will also discuss development of ideas and personal expression through layering of pattern and imagery.

This workshop will be split between demonstrations & discussion with Dawn, and hands-on instruction!

What to bring:

Please bring 6-10 pieces, preferably large test tiles or small cylinders. 3-5 should be completely dry, with the rest being leather-hard.
Your favourite underglazes
Decoration tools (brushes, ribs, pin tool or stylus)
Sketchbook for notes
Needle-tipped squeeze bottles, 18 or 20 gauge. You can get cheap ones to try out from Amazon, but Ceramics Canada carries nice ones by Xeim. Here is an example Amazon product.
Lunch!

Bisque & glaze firings are not included with this workshop, plan on firing your pieces as part of your own ceramic practice.

Accessibility note: Due to space requirements, this event is only accessible by stairs.

About the Instructor:

Dawn Candy (she/her) is a visual artist living and working in Red Deer, Alberta. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge where she studied analytic philosophy and religious studies. She then went on to achieve her diploma in Visual Art from Red Deer College. Currently she teaches several community art classes in addition to making her own work.

Her Website & her Instagram

Common Questions

Minimum age / Can I register my child for this class?

The participant must be at minimum 16 years old to be registered and attend class unaccompanied. Our instruction is centred around teaching adults. If a minor is less developed than an adult, they may find our instruction methods and pace challenging. We do not guarantee any accommodation of instruction geared to minors.

Workshop is a mature environment where there are very hot kilns in unrestricted production areas; mature art that can contain challenging matters such as profanity, nudity, and mature & challenging subjects; responsible consumption of legal substances such as alcohol in both common areas and private studios, and marijuana outdoors; and lively discussion that is not censored for young ears. By registering a minor, you are agreeing to the risks and environment that they will be entering. If you are registering as a minor, you confirm that a guardian has reviewed this warning and has consented to you registering.

What are the regulations surrounding COVID?

We have built a new classroom with 2m distance between wheels to create a safer environment.

As the pandemic changes, we are unsure of what our COVID-19 policy will look like at the start of this class. We will closely monitor local numbers and update you prior to the class.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting clay on. Most clays do not stain and can wash out, however, if your class is working with iron-rich clays then staining may occur. The studio has aprons available for all students to wear while working. We recommend long hair be tied back and jewelry be removed before class begins.

Practice Hours

As this is a one-day workshop, our usual class practice hours are not included.

What about health, safety & cleanup?

Each participant in the class is required to keep all surfaces clean of clay and glaze and to clean all areas including the floor around his workstation thoroughly before they leave. This is to minimize any risks caused by breathing clay and glaze dust.

Cleanup

As previously mentioned, classrooms must be left in a clean condition. Students are responsible for following Workshop’s cleaning protocols which are as follows: pottery wheels cleaned, the floor around wheels wiped, rag washed and draped over upside down stool, aprons wiped down with a large yellow sponge, the floor around sinks and clay storage cleaned, and wedging tables washed off.

Clean-up should be done with a wet sponge or a mop. Avoid sweeping in the ceramics studio as it will cause tiny hazardous clay dust particles to become airborne.

Cancellations

Classes cancelled within 48h of the start date are subject to refunds only if a replacement is found for your signup. Classes cancelled anytime prior to 48h from the start date are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover our processing fees. Classes are subject to cancellations by Workshop in the case of low enrolment. If classes are cancelled by Workshop, you will receive a full refund, including processing fees.

What about Workshop being a safer space?

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Workshop Studios regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, place of origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or source of income.

Workshop Studios does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for removal from the studio and may result in the cancellation of future registrations or a permanent ban.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Any harassing behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is unacceptable conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal behaviour: Jokes, slurs, derogatory remarks, abusive language
Physical & visual: Unwanted touching, staring, filming or photographing
Visual displays: Derogatory items, posters, photographs, drawings
Verbal advances: Any unwanted or unwelcome verbal contact

If you feel you have been subject to any harassment, discriminatory behaviour or other abuse, please contact a Workshop Staff member. All communication is strictly confidential. We will work with you and if needed, and with your consent, with an independent mediator to address the issue.

Anyone exhibiting these behaviours can be asked to leave at any time by Workshop staff. By signing up to this workshop, you agree to read and follow our Safer Space Policy.

Surface Design Intensive with Dawn Candy