Family Pottery Whales and Tails (FA92)

Explore the world of clay together and learn how to make hand-built pottery creating wonderful whales!

What will you learn on this course?

During this one-day course, you will learn how to make hand-built pottery structures, inspired by the giants of the sea! Learn to make a pinch pot whale body and separate 3D tail to stand on a shelf or table.

Develop your creativity together as you spend a day playing with clay in one of MAC’s fully equipped ceramics studios. As a family, you will have the opportunity to design, build and decorate a botanical sculptural vessel.

This is the perfect environment to encourage your family’s creativity. The tutor will take you through the different hand-building techniques such as pinch pots, coiling and sculpting. You’ll learn how to add decoration with coloured slips to your designs. You will be encouraged to review and refine your work to produce a finished ceramic piece that is unique and of a high standard.

By the end of this course, you will have learned how to use of the equipment in the ceramic studio safely and correctly. You will have learned a range of techniques and made a high-quality ceramic piece which can stand proudly in your home for years to come.

Please note that your finished piece will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages.

By the nature of ceramics there is always a risk of technical failure, cracks or explosions for which we cannot be held responsible.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for children aged 6 to 11 years accompanied by their parents or guardians who are looking for an opportunity to enjoy learning together. It is open to all levels. Those with little or no experience of pottery will be shown demonstrations for the various techniques used, and those with previous experience will be able to self-direct their work with guidance from the tutor.

The course is accessible for people of all abilities. Parents and guardians work with their children and all classes are planned to meet the specific needs of the group. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible.

Age ranges are set carefully to consider key age developments, materials being used, and course stimulus. It is very important that age ranges are not too large or across key stages and therefor need to be adhered to.

Do you need to bring anything?

All materials and equipment are provided.

There is a one-hour break for lunch, not provided.

Are there any additional costs?

The course price includes all materials and the firing of your work.

The course price covers one adult and one child. There is a charge for each additional person (child or adult). At least one adult must be present for every three children.

Who teaches this course?

Andrea Clarke