UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Led by Sou’wester Artist-in-Residence instructors, our all-ages workshops give you hands-on experience so you can unleash your inner artist, acquire a new skill, and gain a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship.
May 4 & Jun 1
$80
Explore the world of Raku. This process creates unique and surprising surface patterns. We will start the workshop by demonstrating the raku process. Then you’ll work on handbuilding 3-7 pieces with raku clay. You will have access to open studio hours (M,W,F 3-7p & Sat/Sun 10a-5p) for the following 2 weeks after your workshop to continue developing your pieces. Plan to come back June 1st to raku fire your own pieces! Includes one week of open studio time.
- May 4: 2-3p demonstration
- May 3: 3-5p handbuilding
- Jun 1: 2-3p Final raku fire
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
May 11
w/visiting artist, Dani Hughes $60
In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to take their own polaroid photograph and transform it into an emulsion lift print. Led by an experienced instructor, students will learn about the history and basics of polaroid emulsion transfers and a step-by-step guidance of the process. This class is beginner friendly and will include polaroid cameras and film, watercolor paper, and other basic material, as well as offer a new perspective on the medium of photography.
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion
Jun 1
w/visiting artist, w/Taylor Stefanksi $72
In this one day workshop students will create their very own butter dish! We will cover how to roll out and prep slabs, how to use a template and add adornments at the end. All levels welcome, ages 16 and up. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jun 8 & 9
Hand building w/ Clay & Plants
w/visiting artist, w/Misha Hahnl $115
Students will learn the basics of hand building and incorporate found natural elements (plans, sticks, etc) for decoration and texture: each student will leave the studio with either a painter’s palate, mug or bowl textured with found natural elements and glaze. All levels welcome! Includes one week of open studio time.
- Saturday 2-6p
- Sunday 12-4p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jun 15
Glazing & Surface Decoration Techniques
w/visiting artist, w/Charlotte Deason Robillard $80
Students will learn about a variety of ceramic surface decoration techniques. We will provide each student with a bisqued tumbler that they’ll decorate and glaze during the workshop; students are also welcome to bring a piece of their own bisqued work. We’ll go over masking and resistance methods, overlapping glazes, painting with underglazes, using stencils, and techniques for getting clean precise surface designs as well as more organic freehand designs. No previous ceramics experience is required. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jun 18 & 19
w/visiting artist, Laura Wright $100
In this workshop, we will make watercolor paints from plants found in the area around Sou’wester. During day 1, we will ethically forage local plants and begin the process of extracting their color. We will also prepare a container for our finished paints. In the second day, participants will learn how to filter out pigment and use it to create watercolor. Each participant will leave with a set of watercolor paints created from the colors of the Sou’wester landscape.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion
Jun 22
w/visiting artist, w/Korin Schneider $70
Come play with clay and channel your youthful spirit during this lighthearted hand building workshop. Create a collection of mini sculptures and keep them for yourself or give them as tiny treats for friends and family. The options are endless so let’s think big and make small! We will learn the basics of hand sculpting clay including attaching pieces, texturizing and smoothing surfaces, and decorating with underglaze. Each participant will be able to make as many pieces as they can fit into a small box provided. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jun 29 & 30
Ceramic Charms, Beads & Good Luck Icons
w/visiting artist, w/Emily Wright $120
Create meaningful and magical symbols for you and your loved ones. Carve your own icon of good luck, cast it in plaster, and make beaded charms for yourself and others. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Saturday 2-6p
- Sunday 12-4p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jul 9 & 10
w/visiting artist, w/Gelindo L. Ferrin $120
Whether you are beginning to explore clay or have some experience, this 2 – day workshop will give you several basic ideas and demo examples of ways to alter the forms you make, either wheel-thrown or hand-built, with different surface decoration options and/or forming your clay projects with simple tools and techniques. The first day will be spent planning and making and the second will be spent building, trimming and finishing your projects. You will take home 2- 3 projects depending on your style. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jul 16 & 17
Traditional Syrian Water Vessels
w/visiting artist, w/Leila Piazza $110
Learn to hand-build and decorate an “ibreeq,” a traditional Syrian water vessel with handle and spout. We will use coiling and joining techniques to create our vessels, then return on day two to carve out decorations. This is an all-levels class that will cover several pottery techniques as well as some background about Syrian pottery design and decoration. Bring any hand tools you like (especially for carving), but there will also be a selection of tools provided. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Jul 23,24 & 25
The Magic of Color Woodcut Prints
w/visiting artist, Charles Spitzack $130
Learn how to make colorful multilayered woodblock prints! Using safer oil based water soluble inks (cranfield inks), this process will focus on a simple hand printing technique using multiple plates to create layered colorful prints.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
- Thursday 3-6p
Location: Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion
Aug 13 & 14
Surface Decoration Intensive
(Mixed Level)
w/visiting artist, w/Courtney Murphy $115
In this class we will explore different surface decorations on greenware working with underglazes. Techniques covered will include sgraffito, carving, paper resist, and image transfers. We will use tiles to try out different techniques, before using these new techniques to create a finished piece. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Aug 20 & 21
w/visiting artist, w/Taylor Stefanksi
Learn the basics of hand building through various coil and paddling techniques. The first day students will learn coil building techniques to build their own pots. The second day folks will learn how to refine the forms, add adornments and some detail color. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
COMMUNITY CLAY PLAY
Learn basic handbuilding skills to create a finished piece! No experience necessary. Ages 14+. Includes a demonstration, clay, glazing & firing. w/Shelly Hedges at Ilwaco Artworks. Shipping of finished work available for visiting attendees. 2-5p.
*Photos are linked and credited in our Ideas & Inspiration page
Interested in teaching a workshop? Apply for our Teaching Residency Program.