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: BFF’s, June 27-July 1
A friend is a 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 receive a $30 discount. $250
Session 2: Garden Sculptures, July 5-8 (Tuesday-Friday, 4 day week)
Working in clay, metal, wood and found objects, campers will start the season by creating original, fun and entertaining sculptures for the garden. Plants, birds, bugs and the weather will be the inspiration for a variety of sculptural pieces. Projects may include stepping stones, bird houses, baths and feeders, mobiles, wind chimes, garden figures, toad homes and many other ideas. $200
Session 3: Focus on Clay, July 11-22
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 fire a raku kiln! Other activities will include some basic jewelry making, mosaics, and more. This is a great session for those looking for an intense clay experience. $250
Session 4: Girly Metals, July 18-22
Jewelry galore! If you like to accessorize then this is the class for you! Earrings, pendants, 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! Ages 8 & up please. $250
Session 5: I Love My Pet, July 25-29
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! $250
Session 6: Metal Sculptures, July 25-29
Copper, brass, gears, bolts, sprockets and nuts! Working in a variety of sizes and shapes, students will create sculptures from metal and found objects. Some sculptures will hang, others will be free standing, but all the projects will be fulfilling and fun! Projects may include metal collages, animal sculptures, found object mobiles, boxes and more. Ages 8 & up please. $250
Session 7: Dolls & Action Figures, August 1-5
Superman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman and all your other favorites will be flying in for this exciting week! Working with clay and a variety of materials, campers will create figures which they know and love or just imagine. Campers will work on features, costumes, and accessories. This should be a really creative and fun week and all ideas and desires are welcome. $250
Session 8: Manly Metals, August 1-5
This metalsmithing class is for all of you guys out there who want to bang with hammers, use torches & flames, and cut with saws. This is no jewelry making class; you will make belt buckles, metal sculptures, and created 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 & up please. $250
Session 9: Sculpting & Mosaics, August 8-12
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! $250
Session 10: Fashion Forward, August 15-19
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! $250
Session 11: Raku Firing for Kids, August 15-19
Raku is a Japanese technique of firing that is quick, interactive and fun! Campers will spend the beginning of the week making a variety of pots and sculptures. On Thursday & Friday they will glaze and immediately fire the pieces outside using our raku kiln. Once the kiln reaches temperature, we open the door and pull the glowing pots out, tossing them into piles of sawdust! When the pots are cool, students will clean the pieces and take them home that day!! $250
Session 12: Metalsmithing, August 22-26
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. $250
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.
Session 1: Focus on Clay, July 11-22
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. $300
Session 2: Metalsmithing, August 22-26
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. $150
For Teens
For Kids