This summer we’re looking forward to having fun both inside and outside of our studio! Each session will include wheel throwing, hand building and sculpting in clay, plus basic metalsmithing projects in the jewelry room. Specific projects will be inspired by different themes, as desribed below. So if you’re interested in making a ring for your best friend or a mask to hang in your home, you’ll find all the tools, supplies, and assistance you need right here!
SESSION 1 • June 21-25 • BFF’s
A friend is friend to the end! Start the summer off right by sharing time with a friend. This beginning session will be all about old and new friends. Students will work together on projects that will include self portraits, the pottery wheel, friendship bracelets, scrap books and photo albums. Sign up for this session with a friend, and each student will recieve a $30 discount.
SESSION 2•June 28- July 2•The Wild Kingdom
Join us for this adventure into the world of animals. We will use clay, metals, and other materials to create a menagerie of creatures. Through texture and glazing, our bowls can take on animal-like characteristics. Animal masks, puppets, mobiles and jewelry will be some of the projects we may create.
SESSION 3 • June 28-July 2 • Metalsmithing
In these one-week intensive sessions, we will work in copper, nickel, silver, beads, clay and glass, to create beautiful pieces of jewelry and sculpture. Campers will learn the ways of the metalsmithing studio, including hot and cold soldering techniques, polishing, wire wrapping and more. Other mediums will be introduced for embellishment of metal projects, or in addition to our metals curriculum. (Ages 8-14)
SESSION 4 • July 6-9 • Metalsmithing *4 days
SESSION 5 July 6-9 In the Garden *4 days
Students will spend the week focusing on the wonders of our own back yard. Plants, birds, bugs and the weather that make it all happen. We will make bird houses, feeders, garden decorations, plant pots, rain catchers, wind chimes - the garden is an endlesss source of inspiration for creativity.
SESSION 6•July 12-23•Focus On Clay
This special two-week session will focus mainly on clay. The extended time period allows us more time to work on the wheel and in wet clay, learning how a real potter works! Throwing, trimming, embellishing, and firing will be covered. We’ll even “Raku”! Other activities will include some basic jewelry making techniques, mosaics, and more. This is a great session for those looking for an intense clay experience! (2 weeks)
SESSION 7•July 12-16 •Manly Metals
This metalsmithing class is for all you guys out there who want to bang with hammers, use torches and flames, and cut with saws. This is no jewelry making class. You will make belt buckles, metal sculptures, and create action figure accessories just to name a few. Campers will learn the ways of the metalsmithing studio, including hot & cold soldering techniques, polishing, wire wrapping, & more! (Ages 8-14)
SESSION 8•July 19-23• Girly Metals
Jewelry galore! If you like to accessorize then this is the class for you! Earrings, pendents, rings, beading - we will do it all! Campers will learn the ways of the metalsmithing studio, including hot & cold soldering techniques, polishing, wire wrapping, & more! Other mediums will be introduced for embellishment as well. (Ages 8-14)
SESSION 9 •July 26-30 • A Fisherman’s Life
There is nowhere like New England to learn about the life of a fisherman! Types of fish, boats, lobstering and the coastline are just a few of the topics we will touch upon. Wheel throwing, sculpting, and plaster sails and the coastline are just a few of the topics we will touch upon.
SESSION 10 • Aug 2-6 • I Love My Pet
Do you love your pet? If so, show your furry, slithering or splashy friend how much you love them by creating one of a kind gifts: This week we will make pet food bowls, aquarium sculptures, name collars, and accessories for their homes. Imaginary or stuffed pets need love too! - all are welcome!
SESSION 11 • Aug 2-6 Fashion Forward
Portland Pottery’s version of Project Runway! Campers will learn how to make fun and interesting clothing and accessories for the end of the week gallery show. Basic sewing skills, tie-dye, painting on fabric and felting are some of the projects. Let’s put our heads together and come up with some fabulous designs!
SESSION 12•Aug 9-13•Fashion Forward
SESSION 13 •Aug 9-13•Sculpting & Mosaics
Be a sculptor! Clay, found objects, and your favorite items will be used to create some amazing sculptures & mosaics. Techniques for clay and metal will be combined and explored. A very creative week!
SESSION 14•Aug16-20•Take Me To The Moon
Blast off and tap into your inner alien! This week, we will explore outer space! Alien masks, moon rocks, spaceships, and constellation mobiles are a few projects scheduled for countdown!
SESSION 15 • Aug 23-27 • Metalsmithing
*See description for Session 3*
We are very excited to offer 5 sessions for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17. These sessions will run from 3pm-6pm weekly, and will be similar to the kids camp but with more focused and challenging projects. We will enjoy local field trips including participation in Portland’s First Friday Art walk, walks to the Eastern Prom for materials and inspiration, and visits from local artists. This will be a great opportunity for students to work on their portfolios.
TEEN SESSION 1 •June 28-July 2•Metalsmiting
During our metalsmithing weeks the students will become comfortable in our metalsmithing studio. Working with an assortment of counselors and local professionals, they will learn many techniques including soldering, filing, setting stones, and the ancient art of lost-wax casting. We will use these techniques to create one-of-a-kind sculptures and jewelry. Students will complete several projects.
TEEN SESSION 2• July 12-23 • Focus On Clay
This intensive 2-week session will help students develop their wheel throwing, sculpting, and tile making skills. We will start by working on the potter’s wheel and students will have long periods of uninterrupted instruction and practice to hone their skills. Students will also learn a brief history of clay, methods of building and glazing techniques. Projects will include sets, covers, plates, sculptures and more. During the second week, students can work on their favorite techniques; they will participate in a “raku” firing, and will learn about different glaze temperatures and how to fire different kilns.
TEEN SESSION 3•July 26-30•Raku Intensive
TEEN SESSION 4 • August 2-6• Fiber Arts
During this session we will be looking at all sorts of fabric arts. We’ll do some sewing, some knitting, dying, batiking, painting and much more. Using these techniques, students will make their own clothing and accessories! We will teach pattern making and cutting to make an original piece or alter existing clothing to make something brand new. Come with your style sense and any materials you would like to use and let’s get started! Student’s interests will be greatly encouraged.
TEEN SESSION 5 •August 9-13 • Metalsmithing
For Teens
For Kids