Ceramics - Hand Building - Sedona Arts Center : Sedona Arts Center

Description

Hand Building Ceramics

Tuesdays | 1-4pm | 6 Instructor-Led Class Sessions + 6 Open Studio Practice Sessions

Come play in the clay! Tap into your creative self and experience various hand-building techniques. Make bowls, boxes, sculptures, and tiles, using slabs, molds, and textures. The possibilities are endless. Open to all levels, beginners welcome!

The Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.

In-Person Classes
COVID Health and Safety Protocols

The health and safety of our Patrons, Students, Volunteers, and Staff are a top priority. Since COVID-19 first surfaced, our staff continues to monitor the situation closely, taking every precaution to keep our Patrons, Students, Volunteers, Staff, and our community safe.

We require that face masks, covering mouth and nose, be worn in our classrooms and galleries until further notice. (Note: face shields are not adequate)
Enrollment in in-person classes and workshops is limited to ensure social distancing is possible.
If the student is traveling to Arizona from out-of-state, a negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination, or quarantining for ten days prior to attending is required.
Thermometers are available in the Gallery and Studios for self-checking of temperature upon entrance.
Sanitation stations are available at each entrance to the Center. Paper masks are available for no charge.

21 0406 NK

Neil Kennedy

Neil grew up in New England where he received a lot of inspiration from Cape Cod ceramicists. It wasn’t until college that Neil’s dialogue with clay started when he studied figurative and Renaissance art in Rome, Italy. When he returned to the states Neil took ceramics classes at multiple institutions studying with some of our nation’s leading ceramicists.

After working in the sports marketing world Neil moved to Santa Barbara, CA, where he deepened his artistic commitment, began working in clay full time and started the search for his artistic voice. Neil then moved his home and studio to Lake Arrowhead, CA where his work was influenced by the natural raw beauty of the mountains and the peacefulness it brings to all who see it.

In the fall of 2018, Neil relocated to Sedona, AZ after falling in love with Sedona earlier in the year. Neil looks forward to building a new studio in Sedona and developing a body of work that is inspired by the spiritual energy and the magical natural beauty of Sedona.

Neil’s pieces are represented in many collections in Southern California and New England. His ceramic pieces range from functional thrown forms to coil and slab-built figurative sculptures. His current clay pieces meld thrown forms, slabs, altering, incising and sculpting. The glazes on the functional pieces, fired in an electric kiln, have been developed to give the surface the depth and beauty traditionally associated with reduction firing. Neil’s pieces meld a spiritual simplicity with a figurative rhythm and physical energy. This comes from being a kinetic individual, from a lifetime of playing sports, and his appreciation of Japanese ceramics and classical sculpture.

First bag of clay included. Additional bags of clay may be purchased during class for $30 per bag which includes glazing & firing fees. Enrolled students may also participate in one open studio practice session per week.

Cancellation Policy

Registration

Each student must enroll individually
Classes must be paid in full upon registration
Students may register online or by calling the Sedona Arts Center’s Administrative Offices in the Art Barn, toll-free at 888-954-4442 or locally at 928-282-3809
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours at the Art Barn

In-Person and Online Classes Cancellation

Students must cancel or transfer at least 7 days prior to the first day of class
If a student cancels or transfers before the 7-day cut-off, a 15% fee will be applied
If a student cancels within 7 days prior to class, there are no refunds
If Sedona Arts Center cancels the class for any reason, all payments made will be refunded in full

Important Message

The Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for providing make-up sessions or issuing refunds, credits, or transfers for courses missed as a result of illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control. There are absolutely no refunds after the cut-off date for any reason, unless the Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.

Covid-19 Update for In-Person Classes and Workshops:

As long as SAC is able to provide an environment that adheres to the CDC guidelines for social gatherings, and assuming all other normal criteria are met and the workshop or class goes forward, the above cancellation policies are in effect.

Great space. Neil was pretty great. Gave lots of good demos and was super helpful. - MH

Very knowledgeable and helpful! Neil made sure that we got out of the class what we wanted to. Some people really wanted to focus on correct technique and others, like myself, were there to try something new and have fun. I can’t wait to sign up again. – CB

I love SAC’s funky studio and wouldn’t change a thing. Neil has a hands-on and hands-off approach to teaching which helps build new skills; he knows when to step back so students learn from their mistakes and successes. He creates a collegial, inspiring, and fun-loving environment to grow and experiment. – KL

Neil Kennedy is very knowledgeable, creative, caring, and enthusiastic. He gives excellent demonstrations at the beginning of each class, and answers student questions clearly and completely .He also makes sure that each student receives individual help during every class, if needed. It's been a very fun learning experience and I'm looking forward to my next class with Neil. – KW

Neil explains in great detail how to create a piece that will be successful. Every week he has a great demo that motivates us to try new skills. He is relaxed, very engaging, and always willing to encourage us to be adventuresome. Love his architectural style! - JM

What a wonderful facility this is!! Neil is a wonderful teacher! He is patient, highly skilled, humorful, colorful and joyful! I have grown a great deal in his class! Thank you!!! - DH