With our Empty Bowls event fast approaching, we are excited to shine a spotlight on our pottery programs! At the Academy Center of the Arts, our May Carter Pottery Studio is more than just a place to create—it’s a space where history, technique, and imagination come together to inspire artists of all levels. This past month, we were proud to host three engaging and diverse workshops, each offering a unique approach to storytelling and artistic expression through clay.
Empty Bowls Supported by Centra.
Steven Hill Workshop: Throwing Relaxed, Gestural Forms
From February 7-9, we welcomed nationally renowned ceramic artist Steven Hill for an in-depth workshop focused on creating expressive, gestural forms on the wheel. Designed for intermediate and advanced students, this workshop encouraged participants to move beyond rigid precision and embrace fluid, natural movement in their work.
The hands-on portion of the workshop included alteration techniques on drinking vessels and bowls, culminating in a large platter demonstration. Participants left feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to bring a sense of life and movement to their pottery.
“By the end of the workshop, I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Steven, Ted and the Academy for giving us all this amazing opportunity. Not only had I learned invaluable techniques, but I also gained a fresh perspective on my own work. I left the studio totally inspired.” – Workshop Attendee
Freedom Quilt Trivet Workshop: Art, History, and Storytelling
The Freedom Quilt Trivet Workshop was an impactful and engaging experience for all ages, blending art-making with African American history and storytelling. Participants explored the legacy of Underground Railroad Quilts, which were used to send coded messages to enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Each quilt block carried a distinct meaning—symbols like “Safe House Ahead” or “Follow the North Star” provided crucial guidance along the way.
Led by artist Anna Ellis, students created Freedom Quilt-inspired trivets using a mono-print technique, transferring painted designs onto clay before shaping their pieces.A highlight of the workshop was an art talk by Veronica Jackson, who shared insights on the codes and communication methods used by enslaved individuals. She also explored how African American creativity and artistic expression flourished during this time in American history, reinforcing the power of art as a tool for resilience, storytelling, and cultural identity.
Steampunk Clay Workshop: A Blend of History and Fantasy
Led by Kim Clarke, the Steampunk Clay Workshop invited participants to step into a world of gears, cogs, and Victorian-inspired design. This five-hour immersive session allowed artists to sculpt Steampunk-inspired heads or fish, integrating mechanical and industrial elements with organic clay forms.
Throughout the workshop, students experimented with new sculpting techniques while discussing the visual and conceptual themes of Steampunk aesthetics.
This event provided creatives an opportunity for community-building and artistic exchange, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the Pottery Studio.
This workshop was inspired by the Aluminum Show performance hosted in the Historic Theatre. Ted Batt, Director of Visual Arts, shared how excited he was to provide innovative programming that blends artistic themes from the stage into the studio. We are grateful for the support of Innovative Wireless Technology and Foster Fuels in supporting our arts education and access opportunities.
What’s Next in the Pottery Studio?
We’re excited to share that the Pottery Studio is expanding! Thanks to the generous support of Sally & Davis Von Oesen, we are adding more square footage to accommodate our growing ceramics community.
With 135 students enrolled weekly, our classes have outgrown the available space for works-in-progress. To address this, we are constructing a climate-controlled storage building measuring 8’-6” by 20’-9”, adding 160 square feet of dedicated space for student pieces during the crucial curing process. This new structure, featuring metal-framed walls and comprehensive shelving systems, will be located on the east end of the building.
But this expansion is about more than just storage—it’s about opportunity. By relocating student works to this newly designed space, we are freeing up room in the main studio, making it possible to welcome more students and expand our class offerings.
More Classes, More Opportunities!
With this additional space, we are excited to add two new midday classes in March, responding to the high demand for evening pottery sessions. This will allow us to increase weekly enrollment to 175 students, bringing even more creative energy into the studio.
To further support our growing community, we’ve also added three new pottery wheels, bringing our total to 17 wheels—ensuring more students can participate in hands-on learning.
This expansion represents an important step forward for the Pottery Studio, allowing us to continue fostering a welcoming, accessible, and innovative space for ceramic artists of all levels.
Stay tuned for updates as we grow our community and bring even more creative opportunities to the Academy Center of the Arts!
Interested in joining us for a class or workshop? Check out our upcoming Pottery Studio offerings and discover the joy of working with clay!
The Academy offers discounts on classes and camps. To learn more and submit an application for reduced arts education tuition, please visit here