The class will focus on traditional sculpture techniques in terracota to explore animal forms. We will go through the process of creating a sculpture from beginning to end: starting with reference images to blocking out general shapes and working towards final detail. Students will have the freedom to choose the animal(s) they want to create. At the end of the class, students will be able to take home their own fired sculpture!

Class Info:

• Class will meet Wednesdays from 6-8pm at Mudpie in the basement of the Leverett Crafts and Arts Center.
• Class dates: October 10, 17, 24 and November 7. Students will also have access to the studio at designated times outside of class.
• Class is designed to accomodate all levels of experience including beginners!
• Class size is limited to 8 students.
• Adults and teens 16 +

Fees: $125 ( $100 Tuition + $25 material/ firing)

Registration

• To register please email your name, address, and telephone number.
• Send a check or money order payable to “Mudpie Potters” :
  Mudpie Potters
  13 Montague Rd.
  Leverett, MA 01054

Notification of registration will occur via email after payment is received.

Artist Bio

Courtney Cullen received her MFA from UMASS in Sculpture and has 3 years of professional
teaching experience. She is a practicing artist working out of her studio in Leverett and has exhibited nationally.

Creating on the Potter’s Wheel: Beginner and Beyond starts 

September 15  and runs for 9 weeks until November 10, 2011

Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm

click on our “Take a Class” page for more details and to sign up.

Space is limited so sign up today!

Artists in Residence - Matthew and Hiromi Sovjani

Mudpie has been so pleased to host Matthew and Hiromi Sovjani – two Potters displaced by the earthquake in Japan. They have worked at Mudpie for a month now and had to get used to new clay and new methods of working. They both have found this to be a great learning experience and are grateful for the warmth of the Mudpie and LCA Community. Their 4 year old son Justin has also enjoyed his time in America making many new friends.

Matthew has been working with a mixture of porcelain and stoneware to create his signature carved pieces. Hiromi chose a white stoneware for her mugs and delicate slip paintings. Both of them fired the wood kiln they built in Japan so switching to reduction firing is quite a change and they have been working on finding glazes that will compliment their work and reflect the styles they have spent the last 10 years developing in Japan.

In such times of uncertainty in the art world and in the world in general we are so lucky here in Western Massachusetts that places like Mudpie and the LCA still exist. That says a lot about our Community and the value it places on the arts. Mudpie has provided a place for these potters to create their work and experience life in America. It has given them hope and the opportunity to rebuild.

To see some of the work they have created, please come to the opening of the benefit show for them hosted by Pinch Gallery at 179 Main Street in Northampton on Friday, June 17 from 6-8pm.

Matthew’s recent work was wood fired with ash glazes which work beautifully with his carved surfaces. Hiromi’s work uses slips and soft color to embellish the surfaces. It is our hope that Mudpie will provide a much needed refuge for these potters so that they can work again. A benefit show will be held soon featuring their work. Watch our website for details on the upcoming show.

Join her Thursdays, March 24 – May 26, 2011 for Beginner or Intermediate Wheel Throwing. Click on our Take a Class page for more details and online sign up. Space is limited so sign up today!