Catlin Gabel Community Arts Programs
I had taken many classes and workshops at OCAC after I completed my art degree at PSU. These gave me a way to dive deeper into some areas I wanted to explore. The teachers have always been extremely knowledgeable and prepared. Very excited to see this tradition continuing through Catlin Gabel.community arts student
Winter 2025: January 6-March 7
CERAMICS
- NEW: KINTSUGI REPAIR of CERAMICS/POTTERY
- INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
- BEGINNING POTTERY
- FOCUS ON PORCELAIN, POTTERY AND BEYOND
- Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
- HAND AND WHEEL
- MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
NEW: KINTSUGI REPAIR of CERAMICS/POTTERY
This class is now full. We are no longer accepting registrations.
6 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Emi Joyce
Dates: Jan 13-Feb 24 (with no class on MLK day)
Day and Time: Monday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $300 ($270+$30)
Class Size: 7 minimum, 12 maximum
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 1st Floor, room 107
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is a 400+ year old Japanese traditional practice to repair ceramics/pottery. Mended breakages are celebrated with gold instead of being hidden. This philosophy is often taught as embracing imperfections in our life, the beauty of human flaws.
The traditional method uses all natural materials throughout the entire process of gluing, filling and painting to create visible lines of gold in the reconstructed ceramic. These repaired pieces will be food-contact safe, waterproof and heatproof (up to temperatures typical for hot food) once the materials are fully cured. This course is designed for beginners, but returning students are also welcome to continue their kintsugi projects.
Materials List: All materials, including two broken ceramic vessels, will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own broken ceramics from home if they wish, though materials will also be supplied. For the process to work, any ceramics brought from home must meet the following criteria:
- They must be glazed.
- Students can bring up to three broken pieces.
- The missing fragments must be no larger than 1/2 inch.
- The original size of the ceramic item must not exceed 8 inches.
Students should bring cardboard boxes to safely store their ceramics without touching the repaired pieces. Additionally, if they have a desk lamp, please bring it. We will have a few available for shared use.
Note: The primary material used in this process, urushi lacquer, is a natural resin derived from a tree in the cashew family. Other plants in this family, such as poison ivy and mango, are known to cause sensitization and allergic reactions. Since urushi lacquer is used in all repair steps, disposable gloves must be worn when handling the raw lacquer to avoid potential allergic reactions. Additionally, it is recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, and to tie back long hair for safety. While disposable heavy-duty gloves will be provided in limited sizes, you are encouraged to bring fitted gloves if you have them.
Emi Joyce was born in Tokyo, Japan, where she lived until 2010. Her passion for textile education and her career in fine jewelry eventually brought her to Portland, Oregon, where the abundant access to nature changed her life. With a lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and expertise in fine motor skills, Emi shifted her focus to ceramic repair. She is now a skilled kintsugi restorer and instructor, having repaired hundreds of ceramics and conducted numerous workshops, primarily in the Portland area. Rather than creating new products, Emi finds joy in mending damaged yet cherished objects, giving them a second life. You can learn more about her kintsugi work on Instagram.
Questions? Please Contact Emi.
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: Jan 6-Mar 3
Day and Time: Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: This Class will explore more advanced projects such as: Teapots, Pitchers, altered vessels, and lidded jars, while incorporating slab and coil techniques. Students attending this course should be proficient on the wheel; able to center and throw cylinders and bowl forms with regularity. We will focus on increasing efficiency, expanding ability, and developing instincts for the medium. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are: Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Important Materials Fee Change: With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay (porcelain not included) and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Questions? Please contact WiL.
BEGINNING POTTERY
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: Jan 7-Mar 4
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: This class will highlight the basic tenets of function regarding utilitarian pottery, while covering the three basic shapes. Projects will include the mug, the bowl, and the plate. Basic glaze demonstration will include application and discussion. This course is geared toward beginners with little to no experience. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Important Materials Fee Change: With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Questions? Please contact WiL.
FOCUS ON PORCELAIN, POTTERY AND BEYOND
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Autumn Higgins
Dates: Jan 7-Mar 4
Day and Time: Tues, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Some Experience Intended, But Beginners Welcome
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Explore ways to use porcelain for wheel and hand built pottery and sculpture. Porcelain takes glaze beautifully and creates a beautiful background for decoration. Learn techniques to work with the quirks of the clay, surface decorating techniques, glazing, and working various types of porcelain and colored porcelain too! This class is intended for students with some experience with clay, but beginners are also welcome!
Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Important Materials Fee Change: With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Autumn Higgins is a ceramic artist, and an illustrator based in Portland. She was born into a family of artists, and it was almost destined that she would pursue the field of art. She specializes in sculpting wheel thrown and hand built functional pieces that she uses as canvas to draw. She paints natural elements, birds and animals, and depicts scenes from her surroundings. Autumn uses watercolors to create narrative in each piece, her unique style of sketching and watercolor technique brings the drawings to life. To achieve variation in texture in her pieces, she covers some areas of the pieces with glaze, and leaves some of the clay raw. She studied at the University of Florida and gained a degree in Master of Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 2011. In 2014, she was awarded the Fogelberg Fellowship at Northern Clay Center. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated.
Questions? Please contact Autumn.
Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Kurtis Piltz
Dates: Jan 9-Mar 6
Day and Time: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: This is an all-levels class that will focus on the fundamentals of throwing and hand-building. Besides basic throwing and trimming techniques demonstrations will include slab-building both soft and hard, coils, handles, throwing off the hump and simple alterations. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change).
We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Important Materials Fee Change: With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay (porcelain not included) and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Kurtis Piltz has been teaching at the Multnomah Arts Center for many years. He is adept at both throwing and building slab forms.
Questions? Please contact Kurtis.
HAND AND WHEEL
This class is now full. We are no longer accepting registrations.
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: Jan 10-Mar 7
Day and Time: Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: A beginning level class for students new to pottery and a review for returning potters. All levels welcomed. Hand-building techniques will include slab, coil, and press-molds. Throwing techniques will include basic throwing, trimming, and introduction to appropriate potter’s tools. Surface design will focus on slips, oxides, underglazes and stoneware glazes and application. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Important Materials Fee Change: With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay (porcelain not included) and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Questions? Please contact Dale.
MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
9 Weeks During Open Studio Times
No Instructor: Studio Manager approval required for sign up
Dates: Jan 6 - Mar 7 (9 weeks)
Days and Time: Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and times are subject to change)
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Experienced Artists, Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: TBD
Tuition: $460 ($425+$35)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Description: Maker Space participants work in a self-directed course of study (no teacher). Artists need to have appropriate training, understand how a clay studio functions and fully understand clay and glazes. Registration is contingent upon meeting the criteria in the Maker Space Application and upon Studio Manager’s approval. The Maker Space Application will guide the selection of Maker Space participants. To that end, applicants will describe their thesis, skills, training, and studio histories. You must have the Studio Manager’s okay, to work in Maker Space. You will need to complete an application for Maker Space Ceramics and turn it in by email to the Studio Manager before the term starts, Thursday Jan 2. There will be a mandatory Maker Space meeting, Monday Jan 6, at 2:00 pm.
Please note that fees do not cover materials. Bags of clay can be purchased from the studio manager, limited to 6 bags per term. All materials must be purchased through the Ceramics Studio Manager. Any materials being brought in by students must have prior approval for use. No outside glazes and clay bodies can be used unless they are approved by the studio manager and tested for use in the studio. Failure to do this may result in loss of studio access. We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed. Maker Space Ceramics is not available for outside firing.
Do not register online for Maker Space Ceramics. To receive the Maker Space Application please contact the Studio Manager, Dale Rawls.
DRAWING
DRAWING UNDER THE LINES
9 Week Class: 2.5 Hours Per Day
Instructor: William Hernandez
Dates: Jan 10-Mar 7
Days and Time: Fridays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $350 ($340+$10)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Discover new and exciting ways to draw. A variety of drawing media will be used in drawing exercises, including graphite pencil, ink, and charcoal, giving you the skills and confidence to approach drawing with a variety of techniques. During this course we will introduce concepts, techniques, and materials. Still-life, landscape, portrait and other subjects will be utilized in the studio. In addition to the introduction of materials and techniques we will look at different artists and periods of art. Students will create daily studies in their sketchbook that they may choose to develop into a composition to use later in the course. This course strives to introduce and reinforce personal drawing styles.
Materials List: Will be provided after registration.
William Hernandez dedicated himself to introducing art to the wider community since moving to Portland in the early 2000, He has been an artist-in-residence for the Milagros Theater, held workshops through the Portland Art Museum, and teaches painting classes for all ages, including for immigrant workers at VOZ Worker Rights Education Project in Portland. His work also includes extensive public art mural projects.
Questions? Please contact William.
PAINTING
- URBAN LANDSCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA
- THE LANDSCAPE AND BEYOND: BASIC WATERCOLOR PAINTING
- LAYERS AND COLORS - ACRYLICS
URBAN LANDSCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Ronna Fujisawa
Dates: Jan 7-Mar 4
Days and Time: Tues, 10 a.m.-1p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning through Advanced
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $400 ($390+ $10)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Urban landscapes in Portland can be used as great inspiration to create mixed-media abstract paintings. We will study urban landscapes of PDX in watercolor; and other water-soluble materials such as pen and ink, gouache, watercolor pencils, graphite, and soft pastels. Students will be encouraged to create bold, gestural works that can convey a looseness and expressionistic style. In-class work will focus on studying photographs of urban PDX as source material, learning various watercolor techniques and incorporating mixed-media into our work. There will be several plein air outings (weather permitting) to explore metro PDX. Come join this adventurous painting class with Ronna Fujisawa, an experienced painting teacher. Her classes are fun, challenging, and welcoming for any level artist who wants to explore the potential and push the boundaries of water media.
Materials List: Will be provided after registration.
Ronna Fujisawa is a long-time watercolor/mixed media painter, educator, and MFA graduate in Applied Craft and Design/OCAC and PNCA.
Questions? Please contact Ronna.
THE LANDSCAPE AND BEYOND: BASIC WATERCOLOR PAINTING
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Ronna Fujisawa
Dates: Jan 8 – Mar 5
Day and Time: Wed, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $400 ($390+ $10)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: During this nine-week course, students will be painting in the studio from photographs of landscapes, learning basic watercolor techniques, and how to plan a painting. We will explore various techniques of painting in a loose and expressive style of watercolor, both realistically and leaning towards abstraction.
Materials List: Will be provided after registration. Recommended supplies for this class are fine watercolor and some gouache paints, good quality watercolor paper such as Arches, and a variety of watercolor brushes.
Ronna Fujisawa is a long-time watercolor/mixed media painter, educator, and MFA graduate in Applied Craft and Design/OCAC and PNCA.
Questions? Please contact Ronna.
LAYERS AND COLORS - ACRYLICS
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: William Hernandez
Dates: Jan 9 – Mar 6
Day and Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $390
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: This painting class is taught by renowned artist William Hernandez. He will introduce still life painting, composition, and color, drawing exercises, figures and portraits and landscapes. “I want students to learn to trust their own voices and be honest without worrying about making mistakes. I try to show students the ‘big picture’ of the amazing process of making art.”
Materials List: Will be provided after registration.
William Hernandez dedicated himself to introducing art to the wider community since moving to Portland in the early 2000, He has been an artist-in-residence for the Milagros Theater, held workshops through the Portland Art Museum, and teaches painting classes for all ages, including for immigrant workers at VOZ Worker Rights Education Project in Portland. His work also includes extensive public art mural projects.
Questions? Please contact William.
Cancellation Policy
- If registration is cancelled 20 or more days before the class the price of registration minus a $75 cancellation fee will be refunded .
- If registration is cancelled 14-19 days before the class half the price of registration will be refunded.
- If registration is cancelled 13 or less days before the class there are no refunds given. Thank you for your understanding.
Fall 2024: September 23-November 22
CERAMICS
- INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
- PORCELAIN PRIMER
- BEGINNING POTTERY
- Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
- HAND AND WHEEL
- MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: Sept 23-Nov 18
Day and Time: Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Important Materials Fee Change: With your tuition you get 1 bag of clay (25 lbs). You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Class Description: This Class will explore more advanced projects such as: Teapots, Pitchers, altered vessels, and lidded jars, while incorporating slab and coil techniques. Students attending this course should be proficient on the wheel; able to center and throw cylinders and bowl forms with regularity. We will focus on increasing efficiency, expanding ability, and developing instincts for the medium. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are: Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay (porcelain not included) and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
PORCELAIN PRIMER
6 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Autumn Higgins
Dates: Oct 8-Nov 12
Day and Time: Tues, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Tuition: $330 ($270+$60)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Important Materials Fee Change: With your tuition you get 1 bag of clay (25 lbs). You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Course Description: Have you always wanted to know how to work with porcelain? This workshop will introduce you to throwing and handbuilding techniques, including thrown and altered forms using porcelain clay. We will introduce surface design and glazes that work best with porcelain, and we’ll fire at multiple temperatures. This class is designed for students with prior experience with clay. Don’t believe the saying that, "Working with porcelain is like throwing cream cheese.” Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Autumn Higgins is a ceramic artist, and an illustrator based in Portland. She was born into a family of artists, and it was almost destined that she would pursue the field of art. She specializes in sculpting wheel thrown and hand built functional pieces that she uses as canvas to draw. She paints natural elements, birds and animals, and depicts scenes from her surroundings. Autumn uses watercolors to create narrative in each piece, her unique style of sketching and watercolor technique brings the drawings to life. To achieve variation in texture in her pieces, she covers some areas of the pieces with glaze, and leaves some of the clay raw. She studied at the University of Florida and gained a degree in Master of Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 2011. In 2014, she was awarded the Fogelberg Fellowship at Northern Clay Center. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated.
BEGINNING POTTERY
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: Sept 24-Nov 19
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Important Materials Fee Change: With your tuition you get 1 bag of clay (25 lbs, porcelain not included). You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Class Description: This class will highlight the basic tenets of function regarding utilitarian pottery, while covering the three basic shapes. Projects will include the mug, the bowl, and the plate. Basic glaze demonstration will include application and discussion. This course is geared toward beginners with little to no experience. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Kurtis Piltz
Dates: Sept 26-Nov 21
Day and Time: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This is an all-levels class that will focus on the fundamentals of throwing and hand-building. Besides basic throwing and trimming techniques demonstrations will include slab-building both soft and hard, coils, handles, throwing off the hump and simple alterations. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change).
We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay (porcelain not included) and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Kurtis Piltz has been teaching at the Multnomah Arts Center for many years. He is adept at both throwing and building slab forms.
HAND AND WHEEL
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: Sept 27-Nov 22
Day and Time: Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $465 ($405+$60)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Important Materials Fee Change: With your tuition you get 1 bag of clay (25 lbs). You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Class Description: A beginning level class for students new to pottery and a review for returning potters. All levels welcomed. Hand-building techniques will include slab, coil, and press-molds. Throwing techniques will include: basic throwing, trimming, and introduction to appropriate potter’s tools. Surface design will focus on slips, oxides, underglazes and stoneware glazes and application. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 1 bag of clay (porcelain not included) and glazing/firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
9 Weeks During Open Studio Times
No Instructor: Studio Manager approval required for sign up
Dates: Sept 23-Nov 22
Days and Time: Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and times are subject to change)
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Experienced Artists, Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: TBD
Tuition: $460 ($425+$35)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Important Materials Fee Change: With your tuition you get 1 bag of clay (25 lbs). You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.
Description: Maker Space participants work in a self-directed course of study (no teacher). Artists need to have appropriate training, understand how a clay studio functions and fully understand clay and glazes. Sign up is no longer contingent on who signs up first. To that end applicants will describe their thesis, skills, training, and studio histories. The Maker Space Application will guide the selection of Maker Space participants. You must have the Studio Manager’s okay, to work in Maker Space. You will need to complete an application for Maker Space Ceramics and turn it in by email to the Studio Manager by June 20th. There is a mandatory Maker Space meeting, Sept. 23, at 2:00 pm.
Please note that fees do not cover materials. Bags of clay can be purchased from the studio manager, limited to 6 bags per term. All materials must be purchased through the Ceramics Studio Manager. Any materials being brought in by students must have prior approval for use. No outside glazes and clay bodies can be used unless they are approved by the studio manager and tested for use in the studio. Failure to do this may result in loss of studio access. We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed. Maker Space Ceramics is not available for outside firing.
Registration is contingent upon meeting the criteria in the Maker Space Application and upon Studio Manager’s approval. The application is due September 19, before the term starts.
DRAWING
DRAWING – WAYS OF SEEING
8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: Oct 1-Nov 19
Days and Time: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $360 ($350+$10)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 202
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Materials List: TBA upon registration. Questions? Please contact: rawlsd@catlin.edu
Course Description: You can be new to drawing or want to refine your skills. This class will introduce direct, and indirect ways of seeing shapes and mark-making. During this course we will introduce concepts, techniques, and materials. Still-life, landscape, and other subjects will be utilized in the studio. Students will be introduced to various drawing media and styles, with opportunities to explore various materials and media as part of class sessions. In addition to the introduction of materials and techniques we will look at different artists and periods of art. Students will create daily studies in their sketchbook that they may choose to develop into a composition to use later in the course. This course strives to introduce and reinforce personal drawing styles.
Dale Rawls has been making art in one form or another for a long while. He works with Barbara Rawls at the Riverhouse Studios.
PAINTING
- URBAN LANDSCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA
- THE LANDSCAPE AND BEYOND: BASIC WATERCOLOR PAINTING
- LAYERS AND COLORS - ACRYLICS
URBAN LANDSCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Ronna Fujisawa
Dates: Sept 24-Nov 19
Days and Time: Tues, 10 a.m.-1p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning through Advanced
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $400 ($390+ $10)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Urban landscapes in Portland can be used as great inspiration to create mixed-media abstract paintings. We will study urban landscapes of industrial PDX in watercolor; and other water-soluble materials such as pen and ink, gouache, watercolor pencils, graphite, and soft pastels. Students will be encouraged to create bold, gestural works that can convey a looseness and expressionistic style. In-class work will focus on studying photographs of urban PDX as source material, learning various watercolor techniques and incorporating mixed-media into our work. There will be several plein air outings to explore metro PDX. Come join this adventurous painting class with Ronna Fujisawa, an experienced painting teacher. Her classes are fun, challenging, and welcoming for any level artist who wants to explore the potential and push the boundaries of water media.
Materials List: Will be provided upon registration.
Ronna Fujisawa is a long-time watercolor/mixed media painter, educator, and MFA graduate in Applied Craft and Design/OCAC and PNCA.
THE LANDSCAPE AND BEYOND: BASIC WATERCOLOR PAINTING
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Ronna Fujisawa
Dates: Sept 25 – Nov 20
Day and Time: Wed, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $400 ($390+ $10)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: During this nine-week course, students will be painting in the studio from photographs and some plein air, learning basic watercolor techniques, and how to plan a painting. We will explore various techniques of painting in a loose and expressive style of watercolor, both realistically and leaning towards abstraction.
Materials List: Will be provided upon registration. Recommended supplies for this class are fine watercolor and some gouache paints, good quality watercolor paper such as Arches, and a variety of watercolor brushes.
Ronna Fujisawa is a long-time watercolor/mixed media painter, educator, and MFA graduate in Applied Craft and Design/OCAC and PNCA.
LAYERS AND COLORS - ACRYLICS
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: William Hernandez
Dates: Sept 26 – Nov 21
Day and Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $390
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This painting class is taught by renowned artist William Hernandez. He will introduce still life painting, composition, and color, drawing exercises, figures and portraits and landscapes. “I want students to learn to trust their own voices and be honest without worrying about making mistakes. I try to show students the ‘big picture’ of the amazing process of making art.”
Materials List: Will be provided upon registration.
William Hernandez dedicated himself to introducing art to the wider community since moving to Portland in the early 2000, He has been an artist-in-residence for the Milagros Theater, held workshops through the Portland Art Museum, and teaches painting classes for all ages, including for immigrant workers at VOZ Worker Rights Education Project in Portland. His work also includes extensive public art mural projects.
Summer 2024: June 24-August 23
CERAMICS
- DIVE INTO DRINKWARE
- PHOTO SILKSCREEN UNDERGLAZE WORKSHOP
- INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
- BEGINNING POTTERY
- Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
- HAND AND WHEEL
- MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
DIVE INTO DRINKWARE
6 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Autumn Higgins
Dates: July 16-August 20
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $352 (252+$100 materials/firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Make a drinkware set for your favorite beverage to share. Whether you like lemonade, ice water, sangria, or iced tea, or margaritas, in this class you will plan and create a set to serve your favorite beverage. This class will begin designing and planning vessels you want to make for your drink of choice, and Autumn will demonstrate various handbuilding, wheel throwing, darting, and altering techniques to create a unique and personalized drinkware set. This class is intended for students with prior experience with clay, but even a beginner can create a beautiful project in this class.
Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 2 bags of clay (porcelain has an additional cost) and glazing/firing of pieces.
Autumn Higgins is a ceramic artist and an illustrator based in Portland. She was born into a family of artists, and it was almost destined that she would pursue the field of art. She specializes in sculpting wheel thrown and hand built functional pieces that she uses as canvas to draw. She paints natural elements, birds and animals, and depicts scenes from her surroundings. Autumn uses watercolors to create narrative in each piece, her unique style of sketching and watercolor technique brings the drawings to life. To achieve variation in texture in her pieces, she covers some areas of the pieces with glaze, and leaves some of the clay raw. She studied at the University of Florida and gained degree in Master of Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 2011. In 2014, she was awarded the Fogelberg Fellowship at Northern Clay Center. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated.
PHOTO SILKSCREEN UNDERGLAZE WORKSHOP
4 Day Workshop: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: John Driscoll
Dates: July 24 and 31, August 7 and 14
Day and Time: Wednesdays,12-3p.m.
Ages:18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $265 ($195+$70 materials/firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: The workshop will consist of four 3-hour demonstrations and hands-on sessions that cover the process of creating silk screens from original designs or photos, preparing and forming clay, selecting and mixing underglaze and finally applying designs through the silkscreen process to clay surfaces. Glazing and firing processes will also be included. You will have access to the studio for 1 Open Studio time per week. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change).
Day 1, Wed July 24
We’ll introduce the silk screen process as it applies to ceramic decoration. Show examples of work in-progress and finished fired pieces. Demonstration on how to make silkscreens using the E-Z Screen system, and how to apply underglaze using the screen and prepare printed clay pieces for drying and bisque firing. Following the demonstration, you’ll try your hand at printing individual ceramic tiles. Raw clay tiles, underglaze and tile size screens are provided. I suggest you bring in any artwork you would like to apply to clay. High contrast black and white images work best. You will have time to make your own screens, roll additional slabs and print more tiles with underglazes.
Day 2, Wednesday July 31
Bring at least one high contrast photo or artwork printed or drawn on white copy paper. We’ll demonstrate the screen making process again with tips to get the best possible imagery. I’ll show you techniques for forming larger printed platters with added color highlights. Pieces you create will be placed in the dryer for bisque firing.
Day 3, Wednesday August 7
You fully understand the process by now and can explore the creative possibilities. We’ll demonstrate glazing work from the first classes. I’ll also show how to build curved shapes and handmade cups for screen printing. Hopefully your questions will be answered, and you can use this process for your ceramic work.
Day 4, Wednesday August 14
We’ll explore the decal screen printing process and more advanced transfer decorating techniques. By this time you’ll likely have a creative direction to follow with your new skills.
We’ll also have a “gallery” of our fired work and share experiences.
Materials Provided with Tuition: You’ll get 3 full sheets of screen making material. Underglazes and final glaze material, as well as 1 bag of clay will also be provided. If you need more clay or a different clay body you can purchase from the studio manager.
Included is One Open Studio session per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
7 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: July 8-Aug 19
Day and Time: Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $394 ($294+$100 materials/firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This Class will explore more advanced projects such as: Teapots, Pitchers, altered vessels, and lidded jars, while incorporating slab and coil techniques. Students attending this course should be proficient on the wheel; able to center and throw cylinders and bowl forms with regularity. We will focus on increasing efficiency, expanding ability, and developing instincts for the medium. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are: Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
BEGINNING POTTERY
7 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: July 9-August 20
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning
Tuition: $394 ($294+$100 materials/firing fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This class will highlight the basic tenets of function regarding utilitarian pottery, while covering the three basic shapes. Projects will include the mug, the bowl, and the plate. Basic glaze demonstration will include application and discussion. This course is geared toward beginners with little to no experience. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day (No class on July 4)
Instructor: Kurtis Piltz
Dates: June 27-August 22
Day and Time: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Tuition: $436 ($336+$100 materials/firing fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This is an all-levels class that will focus on the fundamentals of throwing and hand-building. Besides basic throwing and trimming techniques demonstrations will include slab-building both soft and hard, coils, handles, throwing off the hump and simple alterations. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change).
We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
Kurtis Piltz has been teaching at the Multnomah Arts Center for many years. He is adept at both throwing and building slab forms.
HAND AND WHEEL
This class is now full. We are no longer accepting registrations.
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: June 28-August 23
Day and Time: Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $480 ($380+$100 materials/firing fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: A beginning level class for students new to pottery and a review for returning potters. All levels welcomed. Hand-building techniques will include: slab, coil, and press-molds. Throwing techniques will include: basic throwing, trimming, and introduction to appropriate potter’s tools. Surface design will focus on slips, oxides, underglazes and stoneware glazes and application. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
9 Weeks During Open Studio Times
No Instructor: Studio Manager approval required for sign up
Dates: June 24-August 23
Days and Time: Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change)
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Experienced Artists, Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: TBD
Tuition: $450 ($415+$35 material/firing fees)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Description: Maker Space participants work in a self-directed course of study (no teacher). Artists need to have appropriate training, understand how a clay studio functions and fully understand clay and glazes. Sign up is no longer contingent on who signs up first. To that end applicants will describe their thesis, skills, training, and studio histories. The Maker Space Application will guide the selection of Maker Space participants. You must have the Studio Manager’s okay, to work in Maker Space. You will need to complete an application for Maker Space Ceramics and turn it in by email to the Studio Manager by June 20. There is a mandatory Maker Space meeting, June 24, at 2:00 p.m. Please note that fees do not cover materials. All materials must be purchased through the Ceramics Studio Manager. Any materials being brought in by students must have prior approval for use. No outside glazes and clay bodies can be used unless they are approved by the studio manager and tested for use in the studio. Failure to do this may result in loss of studio access. We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed. Maker Space Ceramics is not available for outside firing. Registration is contingent upon meeting the criteria in the Maker Space Application and upon Studio Manager’s approval.
DRAWING
DRAWING – WAYS OF SEEING
8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: July 2-August 20
Days and Time: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $346 ($336+10 materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2 Floor, room 205/206
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: You can be new to drawing or want to refine your skills. This class will introduce direct, and indirect ways of seeing shapes and mark-making. During this course we will introduce concepts, techniques, and materials. Still-life, landscape, and other subjects will be utilized in the studio. Students will be introduced to various drawing media and styles, with opportunities to explore various materials and media as part of class sessions.
In addition to the introduction of materials and techniques we will look at different artists and periods of art. Students will create daily studies in their sketchbook that they may choose to develop into a composition to use later in the course. This course strives to introduce and reinforce personal drawing styles.
Spring 2024: April 1-May 31
CERAMICS
- SURFACE SAMPLER
- INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
- BEGINNING POTTERY
- Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
- HAND AND WHEEL
- MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
SURFACE SAMPLER
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Autumn Higgins
Dates: April 2 - May 28
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $480 ($380+$100 materials/firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: This workshop is a surface sampler to explore ceramic surface treatment beyond glaze. Each class will explore a different type of surface treatment throughout all stages of the ceramic process from wet clay to glazed.
We will cover:
- Stamping and sprigs
- Water etching
- Relief carving
- Sgraffito
- Inlay/Mishima
- Laser decals
- Underglaze transfer
- Newspaper resist/stencils
Students should have some previous experience working with clay. They can work with thrown or handbuilt forms for their exploration of surface design. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay (porcelain has an additional cost) and glazing/firing of pieces.
Autumn Higgins is a ceramic artist and an illustrator based in Portland. She was born into a family of artists, and it was almost destined that she would pursue the field of art. She specializes in sculpting wheel thrown and hand built functional pieces that she uses as canvas to draw. She paints natural elements, birds and animals, and depicts scenes from her surroundings. Autumn uses watercolors to create narrative in each piece, her unique style of sketching and watercolor technique brings the drawings to life. To achieve variation in texture in her pieces, she covers some areas of the pieces with glaze, and leaves some of the clay raw. She studied at the University of Florida and gained degree in Master of Fine Arts at Louisiana State University in 2011. In 2014, she was awarded the Fogelberg Fellowship at Northern Clay Center. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated.
INTERMEDIATE POTTERY
8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: April 1-May 20
Day and Time: Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $436 ($336+$100 materials/firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This Class will explore more advanced projects such as: Teapots, Pitchers, altered vessels, and lidded jars, while incorporating slab and coil techniques. Students attending this course should be proficient on the wheel; able to center and throw cylinders and bowl forms with regularity. We will focus on increasing efficiency, expanding ability, and developing instincts for the medium. Students are expected to follow curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are: Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
BEGINNING POTTERY
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL Labelle
Dates: April 2 – May 28
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning
Tuition: $480 ($380+$100 materials/firing fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This class will highlight the basic tenets of function regarding utilitarian pottery, while covering the three basic shapes. Projects will include the mug, the bowl, and the plate. Basic glaze demonstration will include application and discussion. This course is geared toward beginners with little to no experience. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Kurtis Piltz
Dates: April 4-May 30
Day and Time: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Tuition: $480 ($380+$100 materials/firing fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This is an all-levels class that will focus on the fundamentals of throwing and hand-building. Besides basic throwing and trimming techniques demonstrations will include slab-building both soft and hard, coils, handles, throwing off the hump and simple alterations. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change).
We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
Kurtis Piltz has been teaching at the Multnomah Arts Center for many years. He is adept at both throwing and building slab forms.
HAND AND WHEEL
This class is now full. We are no longer accepting additional registrations.
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: April 5-May 31
Day and Time: Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $480 ($380+$100 materials/firing fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: A beginning level class for students new to pottery and a review for returning potters. All levels welcomed. Hand-building techniques will include: slab, coil, and press-molds. Throwing techniques will include: basic throwing, trimming, and introduction to appropriate potter’s tools. Surface design will focus on slips, oxides, underglazes and stoneware glazes and application. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.
Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. With the materials/firing fee each student gets 3 bags of clay and glazing/firing of pieces.
MAKER SPACE CERAMICS
9 Weeks During Open Studio Times
No Instructor: Studio Manager approval required for sign up
Dates: April 1-May 31
Days and Time: Monday 2-6 pm, Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 3-7 pm, Thursday 12-4 pm, Friday 12-4 pm (Days and Times subject to change)
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Experienced Artists, Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: TBD
Tuition: $450 ($415+$35 material/firing fees)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Description: Maker Space participants work in a self-directed course of study (no teacher). Artists need to have appropriate training, understand how a clay studio functions and fully understand clay and glazes. Sign up is no longer contingent on who signs up first. To that end applicants will describe their thesis, skills, training, and studio histories. The Maker Space Application will guide the selection of Maker Space participants. You must have the Studio Manager’s okay, to work in Maker Space. You will need to complete an application for Maker Space Ceramics and turn it in by email to the Studio Manager by March 29th. There is a mandatory Maker Space meeting, April 1st, at 2:00 pm. Please note that fees do not cover materials. All materials must be purchased through the Ceramics Studio Manager. Any materials being brought in by students must have prior approval for use. No outside glazes and clay bodies can be used unless they are approved by the studio manager and tested for use in the studio. Failure to do this may result in loss of studio access. We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed. Maker Space Ceramics is not available for outside firing. Registration is contingent upon meeting the criteria in the Maker Space Application and upon Studio Manager’s approval.
PAINTING
THE LANDSCAPE AND BEYOND: BASIC WATERCOLOR PAINTING
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Ronna Fujisawa
Dates: April 3-May 29
Day and Time: Wed, 1p.m.-4p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Advanced Beginning
Tuition: $390 ($380+$10 materials fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: During this nine-week course, students will be painting in the studio from photographs and some plein air, learning basic watercolor techniques, and how to plan a painting. We will explore various techniques of painting in a loose and expressive style of watercolor, both realistically and leaning towards abstraction.
Materials List: Will be provided upon registration. Recommended supplies for this class are fine watercolor and some gouache paints, good quality watercolor paper such as Arches, and a variety of watercolor brushes.
Ronna Fujisawa is a long-time watercolor/mixed media painter, educator, and MFA graduate in Applied Craft and Design/OCAC and PNCA.
LAYERS AND COLORS - ACRYLICS
9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: William Hernandez
Dates: April 4-May 30
Day and Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $380
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Class Description: This painting class is taught by renowned artist William Hernandez. He will introduce still life painting, composition, and color, drawing exercises, figures and portraits and landscapes. “I want students to learn to trust their own voices and be honest without worrying about making mistakes. I try to show students the ‘big picture’ of the amazing process of making art.”
Materials List: Will be provided upon registration.
William Hernandez dedicated himself to introducing art to the wider community since moving to Portland in the early 2000, He has been an artist-in-residence for the Milagros Theater, held workshops through the Portland Art Museum, and teaches painting classes for all ages, including for immigrant workers at VOZ Worker Rights Education Project in Portland. His work also includes extensive public art mural projects.
CALLIGRAPHY
UNCIAL CALLIGRAPHY
9 Week Class: 2.5 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Sue Greenseth
Dates: April 3-May 29
Day and Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Skill Levels Are Welcome
Tuition: $315
Class Size: 6 minimum, 10 maximum
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 202
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Course Description: Uncial was commonly used from the 4th to 8th centuries by Latin and Greek scribes. Its simple, rounded strokes make it a lovely choice for many contemporary projects. Because it is a single-case calligraphic hand (no capital letters), it is easy to learn. After we study the classic, upright version, we’ll learn monoline and italicized interpretations.
Supplies: Other than the Capitol Bond paper, supplies can be found at Columbia Art & Drafting (Portland). All items can be ordered through John Neal Books.
Supply List:
- Capitol Bond 25% Cotton Practice Pad 8.5x11-inch RECOMMENDED (John Neal Item# P69)
- Higgins Eternal Ink (John Neal Item# I08)
- Speedball calligraphy nib, size C-2 (John Neal Item# N09)
- Speedball plastic pen holder (John Neal Item# H69)
- Pilot Parallel Pen 3.0 mm (pink cap) (John Neal Item# FP67)
- Jumbo Dinky Dip 1-square, (John Neal Item# S853) (this is an optional item)
- Ruler, pencil, eraser, soft rag
Sue Greenseth is a full time calligrapher and lettering artist in Portland, Oregon. Early in her career she taught calligraphy and freelanced as a commercial lettering artist for world-renowned clients. She teaches online for calligraphy guilds throughout the United States, and her work has been published in a variety of well-respected magazines. Sue loves breathing life into letterforms and animating words with a pen.
BOOK ARTS
JOURNAL EDITIONING
Workshop: 3 Days, 6 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Christine Wolf
Dates: April 22, 23 and 25
Days and Time: Monday, Tues and Thurs, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 8 max
Tuition: $300 ($255 +$45 materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 202
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon (formerly OCAC)
COVID-19 masking requirements TBD
Workshop Description: The workshop will teach students all the components of making a small edition of German casebound hardcover blank books. We will learn the basics of folding signatures, punching for sewing, sewing, creating a finished text block with endsheets that is ready to cover, creating a cover for the text block, and then casing-in the text block to create a finished book. If you choose, you can embellish your cover with decorative papers. We’ll do each step 4 times, to create an edition of books. Making an edition is a great way to practice and reinforce your new skills, and you’ll end up with more books to take home. These German case bound books are perfect for giving as gifts, using for your personal writing, or as a format for artist’s books.
As we have time, we’ll cover some bookbinding skills you can use at home, such as how to measure materials for making your own books, how to prepare materials without fancy equipment, and how to source materials and tools for making your own books. I’ll bring in examples for case bound books from my studio for you to see.
Materials List: All materials provided
Christine Wolf graduated from Willamette University in 1994 with a BA in Studio Art and Art History. After earning a Master’s Degree in Organization Management, she spent years working in the tech and education fields and raising her two sons. She returned to her love of art full-time in 2014 and received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Book and Print from Oregon College of Art and Craft. She stayed on at OCAC, working as the studio manager for the Book and Print department until the college closed in 2019. Since then, she has continued working in her own studio and is excited to return to working with students. She has shown her work in multiple shows at OCAC, Portland, and San Francisco, and currently has one of her box projects traveling on exhibit in the Netherlands.