JDCAC Ceramics Studio
Ceramics Studio
222 E Drake Ave
Who We Are
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) Ceramics studio is a creative space with many artistic and educational opportunities for the community. The studio offers a wide variety of ceramic classes for the absolute beginner as well as experienced potters. The JDCAC Ceramics Studio is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself or your children to the creative possibilities of clay!
Independent studio memberships are also available pending approval from the studio coordinator or by taking two full eight week courses. Our studio is equipped with professional pottery throwing wheels, a stainless steel extruder, a slab roller, multiple hand mixed glazes, commercial-grade firing kilns, and pug mills. Our studio space serves the artistic needs of the community, providing residents with the creativity, inspiration, and encouragement to create ceramic works. The studio is designed so that individuals may work in a relaxed environment where ingenuity soars.
Classes
Our instructors offer a selection of top-notch classes that range in skill level and age. Below is a list of ceramics classes coming this summer! Please view the Parks and Recreation program brochure for more detailed information on the many classes Parks and Recreation offers.
CERAMICS INDEPENDENT STUDIO FOR ADULTS
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and pottery and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is located at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in out studio which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels. A selection of clay will be available for purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be purchase through MyRec. All Independent Studio memberships will be required to sign into the studio each day, assist in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. $80 per quarter.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | MTWRF | 9/1 - 11/30 | 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334)501-2944 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
SCULPTING - FIGURATIVE
Come and join me as we create at least one figurative sculpture! This sculpture can be of any pose - your choice-Historic, Present, or Futuristic! We will learn how to use an armature, use rolled slabs of stoneware clay to build on the armature, and other techniques and tricks to get desired results. We will focus a bit on realism and human anatomy proportions but no experience is necessary. Let's have fun! $110/Participant + $25/Materials.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Dates(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14+ | T | 10/22 - 11/26 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703 - 6140 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
CERAMIC HANDBUILDING - SLAB TEAPOTS
If you missed the pinch pot teapots class, then come and join me this time as we create a couple of teapots using slabs of clay. The instructor will guide you on how to use a slab roller and other tools and techniques to create a simple yet functional teapot. You will create a second teapot outside of class. Glazing and decorating techniques will be discussed and applied to the teapots. Come and share the 'tea'! $110/Participant + $25/Materials
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14+ | SA | 9/14 - 10/12 | 10 a.m - 12 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 702 - 6140 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
FOCUSED THROWING - ALL ABOUT CYLINDERS
This class is for students at all levels wanting to learn or improve at centering and pulling clay to make cylinders. Most vessels of height on the wheel start with cylinders as the foundation - mugs, bottles, jugs, pitchers, and vases are examples. We will focus on techniques and tips for centering various amounts of clay, up to 5 pounds, as time and experience permits. Students are expected to spend time praticing techniques and tips given in class to center clay and create cylinders of various sizes. Students will be required to make at least three, well-made, functional cylinders on the wheel by the end of this class. Note: Recycled/pugged clay may be used in this class for practice. Instructor focus in on centering and pulling only to produce well-made cylinders. These well-made cylinders can be used as functional kitchen and bathroom containers, planters, and for other uses. No experience necessary! $110/Participant + $25/Materials.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14+ | T | 9/3 - 10/15 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703-6140 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
FOCUSED THROWING - ADVANCED CYLINDERS
This class is designed for students who have previously taken the ALL ABOUT CYLINDERS course. We will briefly review techniques and tips for throwing 6-8 inch cylinders. Afterwards, we will focus on cylinder height by throwing with larger amounts of clay. The goal in this course is to produce well-made cylinders that are 8-12 inches in height or taller based on experience and as time permits. Come and have fun. No expectations on number on cylinders required! $110/Participant + $25 Materials.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14+ | R | 9/5 - 10/17 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703-6140 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
HANDBUILDING AND SURFACE DECORATION TECHNIQUES WITH MARIA
Curious about pottery? Join our studio and become familiar with handbuilding and surface decoration techniques. This is a class for beginners and more advanced students willing to explore handbuilding and decoration techniques in the design of plates, serving dishes, cups, planters, etc. In addition to creating one-of-a-kind handbuilding work, students will also enjoy learning various surface decoration techniques to add flair to any piece of art! You do not need to have any ceramic skills since this class will accommodate both beginners and more experiences students. Clay, glazes, and kiln firing costs are included in the material fee, and essential tools are available in the ceramic studio. Come and have fun! $150/Participant + $40/Materials
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 9/23 - 11/11 | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad • (334-663-8292) • lujanauad@gmail.com
FOUNDATIONS IN WHEEL THROWN POTTERY
Are Whether it's your first time around or you're dusting off old skills, this course whether it's your first time around or you're dusting off old skills, this course will provide a fun, supportive atmosphere in which to explore fundamental techniques for throwing vessels on the wheel. Learn to create table ready bowls and cups, exploring different shapes as confidence grows! Other skills that may be explored as students progress are plate making, trimming recessed feet and attaching handles. Throughout the course, you will also have access to the JDCAC's Ceramics Studio to practice on a wheel during open studio hours. (Please note there is a break on 10/22 to accommodate the firing schedule before our final glazing sessions.) Kindly confirm that you can attend all seven class sessions before enrolling. $126/Participant + $35/Materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | T | 9/10 - 10/29 (off 10/22) | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Annika Lee • 334-663-1749 • elementalartcraft@hotmail.com
BEGINNER CERAMICS II
Now that you've got the basics of wheel throwing, what's next? Take this class to explore further wheel throwing techniques like trimming, adding handles, making lids, and larger amounts of clay! Instruction is based on the skill level of participants in each class, which will cause the skills taught to vary from class to class. This is not a beginner level class and students need to be able to consistently center for success in the class. $120 Class Fee + $40 Materials Fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 10/16 - 11/27 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Hayley Williams • 251-459-5455 • williamshayleyr@gmail.com
WHEEL-THROWN POTTERY MINI-COURSE FOR TEENS AND TWEENS
Young artists are invited to bring their curiosity and a playful spirit as we sling some mud on the wheel! This supportive, small-group session covers basic wheel-throwing technique and foundational vocabulary, as well as tools and tips needed to get off to a good start with this fun and satisfying art form! (Parents: Please note there is a break on 10/23 to accommodate the firing schedule before our glazing session.) In each meeting we will cover new steps, so kindly make certain that your child can attend all four sessions before enrolling. Parents are invited to observe the first class. $64/participant + $25/Materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-17 | W | 10/2 - 10/30 (off 10/22) | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Annika Lee • (334) 663-1749 • elementalartcraft@hotmail.com
HOLIDAY CERAMICS CAMP FOR KIDS
Join us for an exciting youth Holiday ceramics camp from Nov. 20th -22nd where holiday creativity knows no bounds! From 3:30 5 p.m. each day, young artists will embark on a hands-on journey through the world of pottery. Each day is geared toward your camper completing a project they can then gift to a friend or loved on over the holidays. Our skilled instructors will guide them through the basics of ceramics fostering a fun and supportive environment. Students will complete three completed projects that will be ready for pick-up on Friday, December 13th. Wrapping paper will be available upon pick-up. $100 + 20 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-17 | WRF | 11/20 - 11/22 | 3:30 - 5 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334) 501-2944 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE CERAMIC LESSONS
Private instruction for one on one, or semi-private lessons for a small group of participants. These lessons are geared towards individuals wanting to learn and create assorted items with clay. Learn wheel throwing or hand-building, along with glazing and decorating techniques! To be eligible for ceramic private lessons, please register. Once we have your contact information, we, will gather more information about dates and times. You will then be invoiced, through the MyRec website. No experience necessary. $25, + $15 Materials Fee (per person) per two hour session.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7+ | By Request | 9/3 - 11/29 | By Request | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703-6140 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
HOLIDAY ORNAMENT WORKSHOP!
Join us fir a ceramic Holiday Ornament workshop, perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists. This hands-on class meets over two evenings. On the first night. you'll learn the art of slip casting as you are guided through the process of creating a slip cast 3D ornament ball and a 2D sgraffito ornament. During the second night, once your ornaments have dried and are ready for the next steps, you'll smooth any rough edges designs and details. By the end of the workshop, you'll have two beautifully crafted ceramic ornaments! $/Participants + $10 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ | RF | 11/17 - 11/18 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334) 501-2944 • edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
PITCHER PERFECT: MAKING BOTH WHEEL-THROWN AND HAND-BUILT PITCHERS
Learn to refine your pottery skills by making functionally sound, aesthetically pleasing pitchers in this class. We will explore wheel-thrown pitcher forms as well as a hand-built pitcher form or two. Participants will learn the anatomy of a well-made pitcher then explore pitcher form variations through darting, pinching, adding slab-made spouts, joining two thrown pieces, and using various surface decoration techniques. Participants must have experience throwing on the wheel, be able to center at least 3 pounds of clay, and to pull a cylinder with walls of a consistent thickness and a level rim. Out-of-class work will be assigned so your access to a wheel between classes is essential. No class scheduled for October 30 to allow firing of fully dried work prior to glazing on November 6. $120/participant + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 9/11 - 11/6 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Amy Kaiser • (334) 821-0916 • amyekaiser@gmail.com
HAND BUILDING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
So many Holidays and so little time! In this class we will be hand building items for Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. Every class will have a demo with a new technique. Already have an idea of what you want to make? Let's do it! Planning and trying a new idea is what makes hand building so much fun. This class is for beginners as well as more experienced potters. As always, Jackie will be bringing 50 years of tools, stamps and textures to class from her home studio. $150/participants + $35 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 9/18 - 11/6 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Jacqueline McDonough • (770) 715-1740 • ladylovesgrits@hotmail.com
Upcoming Events
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 9, a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please note that after the quarter has begun, hours may change. An updated calendar will be available upon request after the start of the quarter.
Independent Studio
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering.
The Ceramics Studio is located inside the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in our studio, which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels.
A selection of clay will be available to purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be bought through MyRec. All Independent Studio members will be required to sign into the studio each day, aid in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. Price is $80 per quarter.
To purchase a ceramic transfer please visit the studio prior to purchasing to see a current list of designs available.
Any person interested interested in becoming an independent studio member must meet one of the following three criteria:
- Taken a minimum of two classes at the Jan Dempsey Ceramics Studio within the past two calendar years. Only classes that are 7 weeks or longer count towards independent membership.
- Completed 16 hours of private lessons with a studio instructor.
- Have comparable professional experience or completed a ceramics degree in the last five years.
If the above requirements are met, an interview and studio tour can be scheduled with the studio director to decide independent membership status. Once given permission by the studio director, members can register for independent membership. Members who need assistance registering can visit the Harris Center at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. Examples of work and experience must be presented.
For more information about the Ceramics Studio or the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org or by calling 334-501-2944