Dive into hand-built clay bowls and terra sigillata surface decorating with Rhonda Willers! On day one of this two-day workshop, you’ll learn how to use everyday objects, clay bisque molds, and paper patterns to create bowls from clay. On day two, you’ll discover how to decorate the surfaces with terra sigillatas, a refined clay slip, using brush and sgraffito techniques. An introductory lesson of how to make your own terra sigillatas will be shared and demonstrated during the workshop! This workshop is ideal for beginners to advance students. Having some clay experience, such as one previous clay class, is helpful but not required.

Class information:

• Nov 15-16 from 10 am-3 pm each day

• Teaching artist: Rhonda Willers

• Level: Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced

• Age: 16+

• Class size: 10-20

• Participation fee: $295

• Art Medium: Ceramic

• Some supplies included in class fee. Students expected to bring:

  • Basic clay tools: wire cutter, fettling knife, rubber and/or metal ribs, scoring tool or similar. Everyday objects to become mold forms, such as a household bowl. Variety of brushes: recommended 1-hake style 1” wide brush Sgraffito and/or stamping tools. 1 package of cheesecloth (grocery store style is fine). Sketchbook/notebook + writing tool. Sharpie/permanent marker. Masks or respirator (for use if handling powdered clay and colorants). Plastic gloves for those with sensitive skin (optional)

Artist Bio: Rhonda Willers is an artist with a multi-discipline art practice who incorporates ceramics, facial tissues, mixed media, drawing, painting, and time-based installations. She is the author of the book Terra Sigillata: Contemporary Techniques, host of the podcast The Artist in Me Is Dead, former president of the board of directors for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, and her writing is featured in The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad. She lives and works in rural Elk Mound, Wisconsin, with her husband, three children, and cats.

You can view her work at https://www.rhondawillers.com/