Ceramics

Unearth your inner potter at our School of the Arts Ceramics Program. Ceramic work exemplifies a human ability to be both innovative and purposeful in a pursuit of designing and making, with the most basic of materials — clay.

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Ceramics

  • Length of Study 10 Months
  • Accreditation Certificate
  • Campus Victoria Street Campus

Refine and strengthen your creative talents with instruction from practicing artist instructors at School of the Arts Ceramics Program. Learn contemporary ceramic design methods as well as traditional techniques in handbuilding, mold making, wheel forming, glazing and firing. Everything you may expect in a longer program will be thrown at students eager for an intensive learning experience. Be with the clay – it’s like the earth in your hands – and develop a complete relationship with your building material.

The ceramic students are working on lidded vessels this week. Here is Andrea Sweetnam working on a decorative jar. #wheelthrown #liddedjar #ceramics #kootenaystudioarts #selkirkcollege #nelsonbc

Posted by Kootenay Studio Arts on Thursday, February 22, 2018

School of the Arts Ceramics Program: Hands-on Learning

Combine conceptual skills learned in the classroom with hands-on practice in School of the Arts Ceramics Program’s studio. Individual attention from your instructors in both settings will enable you to build confidence with ceramic processes, knowledge of studio safety and ultimately, achieve individual goals. Develop a solid body of work and be fully prepared to pursue independent practice.

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You will be immersed in a vibrant and rewarding creative experience at the School of the Arts Victoria Street Campus where students are also pursuing the crafts: Jewelry, Textiles and Sculptural Metal.

Discover more about our Victoria Street Campus in beautiful downtown Nelson, BC. Nelson and its surrounding areas are a vital West Kootenay cultural hub. Artists are attracted to the natural beauty, the laid-back attitude and an atmosphere of acceptance that inspires creativity.

Matt & Aimie

Student Recruitment Team

Inquiries?

Do you have general questions about School of the Arts programming, please fill out our Find Out More form below.

Recruitment Specialists Aimie Chernoff and Matt Martin are also amazing ambassadors ready to share all they know with you. Contact them at hello@selkirk.ca.

 

Find Out More
Admission Requirements
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Jeremy Addington photo
Launch Gallery

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Submit a questionnaire
  • Submit a portfolio of work
  • Participate in an interview
  • Learn more about the admission process.

Course Information

Individual Product Design and Making: Wheel thrown forming; Handbuilding, molding, extruding; Slip casting

Do you have questions? Check out our FAQ to find out more…

Personalized Surface Treatment: Textures: Ceramic screen prints; Slips/underglazes; Glaze technology

Understanding the Kiln: Electric kiln technology; Introductory gas firing

  • School of the Arts gave me room to explore while also holding me to a very high standard. I went on to earn a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University and an MFA from Utah State University.

    Christopher Watt

    Ceramics, 2005Director at Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill in Cape Cod
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Garry Graham

Instructor

Garry Graham

Instructor

Garry has shaped a practical background of clay experiences through a combination of ceramics education at David Thompson University; work/study sojourns in the Middle East and France; ceramics consulting in Indonesia, and 20 years of studio production.

His award-winning work includes large sculptural vessels and widely recognized one-of-a-kind pieces. As a practicing artist, he continues to exhibit in solo and group shows.

Robin Dupont

Instructor

Robin Dupont

Instructor

David Lawson

Instructor

David Lawson

Instructor

David has more than 35 years’ experience in clay and has operated a studio for more than 30 years. His work is represented in galleries across Canada and he has exhibited nationally and internationally.

David moved to Nelson in 1981 to work in the Ceramic Dept at David Thompson University Cerntre, after which he reestablished his studio in Nelson. He sold and showed nationally and internationally until 1990. Then, David became the founding Director of Kootenay School of the Arts and he continues to teach in the Ceramic Deptartment.

Currently, David teaches Glaze Technology as well as maintaining a studio practice.

Daryl Jolly

School Chair

Daryl Jolly

School Chair

Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramics

How many images can I send in the online portfolio submission form?

The maximum images allowed on the online form is eight. Please send a separate link if you would like to send more than eight images.

Why do I have to interview for Craft Programs?

The interview allows us to discuss the program. We will be asking you questions but our instructors will also give you an overview of the program and scheduling. This is a chance for you to ask questions as well. We want to ensure the best possible match to ensure student success. The interview takes about a half hour and we will be conducting it in person at the Victoria Street Campus or by phone. We are currently not set up for Skype.

Do I have to have experience in the Craft studio I want to apply to?

No. Many of our students have completed a workshop or continuing education course in the studio they are interested in, but it is not a requirement.

Do I have to provide my own tools and equipment?

Yes, each studio has its own supply list that’s provided upon admission. Some tools and supplies will be the student’s responsibility. Project materials can be purchased through KSA. Equipment such as kilns, forges, wheels, drill press, etc. is provided.