Paloma Clay Studio, San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
September 25-30, 2023
Esther Shimazu
Who's Not a Good Boy? Sculpting the Dog

We will use standard hand-building pottery techniques, mostly pinch, and coil, to make a hollow, more or less representational figure of a dog. Time permitting, we can make some smaller more abstracted figurines and toys. Dogs are an endless subject. Attention will be paid to adding distinctive detail and expression to your particular companion animals. Students need some understanding of the ceramic process and pottery construction and joinery.
Workshop fee: $ 985 USD (for details on what is included click here) Deposit to register: $450
August 25-30, 2023
Cristina Córdova
The Figure in Clay: Form and Surface
Come join us for this unique combination of figurative ceramic sculpture and surface development. You will both hone your sculpting abilities and learn to enliven your figurative works through the use of slips, underglaze transfers, and monotypes.
We will start by building a 20” figure from the pelvic area, using simple patterns and photographic references to anchor our sculptural process. Demos will cover slab construction and articulation of the hip area, upper torso, arms, hands, head, and neck. As all the components come together we will go over anatomical concepts and modeling strategies to facilitate accuracy and expression.
Transitioning into surface development, students will develop an assortment of test tiles to inform both their primary pieces and future work at home. With these as points of departure, we will use slips and underglazes combined with newsprint and tissue transfers to create rich, dynamic surfaces. All levels are welcome.
Workshop fee: $ 1160 USD (for details on what is included click here) Deposit to register: $575

At Capacity
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March 27-April 1, 2023
Adrian Arleo
The Narrative Figure in Clay

Workshop fee: $ 850 USD (for details on what is included click here)
Deposit to register: $400
In this five-day workshop, participants will learn coil-building techniques to turn their creative visions into sculptural forms. Choose to work with human or animal figures, or a combination of the two. We’ll use the rich cultural and natural setting of San Miguel de Allende for inspiration, along with a day trip to a folk art museum. Throughout the workshop, Adrian will give demonstrations, video, and slide presentations on sculpting and coil-building to guide students in making medium-scale sculptures. Attention to the clay’s surface through carving, texture and the addition of sprig-molded forms will add another layer of dynamic information. The techniques covered will be applicable for making large-scale work. This will include internal supports and buttressing, sectioning and reattaching techniques, the use of a base and rod for tall narrow pieces, and two different methods for making sprig molds. Adrian will also discuss and show examples of low-fire glazes, terra sigilatta, and non-fired surface finishes such as wax encaustic, casein paint, and gold leaf.
Some clay experience is highly recommended.




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Note: As an added bonus this workshop precedes Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter. It is worth staying to experience the celebration of Easter with Good Friday processions and the "Burning of the Judases" on Easter Sunday.
At Capacity
March 6-March 11, 2023
Tip Toland
Facial Expression as a Mask

Workshop fee: $ 850 USD (for details on what is included click here)
Deposit to register: $400



