Kintsugi: The Art of Broken Ceramic Repair

Description

Kintsugi: The Art of Broken Ceramic Repair with Adam Nielsen
Traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi

Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 10AM – 1PM | Dennis Ott Ceramic Studio

Discover the beauty of imperfection through the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi: repairing broken ceramics with gold. In this one-day workshop, ceramic artist Adam Nielsen will guide participants through a contemporary approach to this meditative and visually striking practice. Participants will learn how to piece together broken pottery using a non-toxic, epoxy-based adhesive method with gold-colored finish, creating repaired objects that are both functional and artful.

Rather than disguising cracks, Kintsugi highlights them—offering a powerful metaphor of resilience, healing, and transformation.

What You’ll Learn:

Basic history and philosophy behind Kintsugi
How to safely break, clean, and prep ceramic shards
Hands-on instruction in epoxy adhesive repair
Application of gold-colored powder for finishing
Tips for displaying or gently using repaired objects

Class Details:

Limited Enrollment: Ensures personalized attention and a thoughtful learning experience.
All Levels Welcome: No prior ceramic or repair experience needed.

Class Outline:

Introduction to Kintsugi philosophy and technique
Demonstration of safe breaking and cleaning methods
Guided adhesive repair of participants’ own broken pieces
Finishing techniques using gold powder
Group reflection and optional photo documentation of work

Materials: All adhesive, powders, tools, and safety supplies included. Participants may bring 1–2 broken or cracked ceramic pieces from home (no glass, please).

Age Requirement

Ceramic workshops are designed for persons aged 18 and over, or with instructor approval.

25 1005w AN

Adam Nielsen

In 2011, Adam attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference, where a panel discussion on converting electric kilns to gas sparked a new direction in his work. After a multi-year hiatus from ceramics, he returned with renewed focus, converting his first electric kiln to gas and experimenting primarily with shino glazes.

In 2018, Adam held his first solo exhibition at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, showcasing work fired in his converted kilns. Two years later, in 2020, he rebuilt his kiln and began refining his firing techniques.

In 2023, Adam collaborated with fellow ceramic artist Ben Roti on a joint exhibition in Okoboji. The partnership included travel between studios and the conversion of another electric kiln. Together, they explored both cone 10 soda and cone 3 soda firings, resulting in a dynamic and varied body of collaborative work.

Adam’s ceramics practice is rooted in experimentation, transformation, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of atmospheric firing.

What to Bring:

All adhesive, powders, tools, and safety supplies included.
Participants may bring 1–2 broken or cracked ceramic pieces from home (no glass, please).

Cancellation Policy

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Registration

Each student must enroll individually.
Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
Students may register online or call Sedona Arts Center Office at 928-282-3809, Ext 1 or toll free at 866-282-3809 Ext 1.
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

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.

Note: If traveling to Sedona, we strongly urge students to purchase refundable airline tickets or travel insurance in case of workshop cancellation due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen changes. Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for non-refundable ticket purchases or lodging fees.

Important Message

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 Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.

Instructor Information

Adam Nielsen

Adam Nielsen, a ceramic artist based in Okoboji, Iowa, began his journey in ceramics in 2006. In 2008, he enrolled at Kirkwood Community College, where he first explored raku firing during his initial semesters. His growing passion for ceramics led him to work extensively with wood kilns, deepening his understanding of atmospheric firings. In 2011, Adam attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference, where a panel discussion on converting electric kilns to gas sparked a new direction in his work. After a multi-year hiatus from ceramics, he returned with renewed focus, converting his first electric kiln to gas and experimenting primarily with shino glazes. In 2018, Adam held his first solo exhibition at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, showcasing work fired in his converted kilns. Two years later, in 2020, he rebuilt his kiln and began refining his firing techniques. In 2023, Adam collaborated with fellow ceramic artist Ben Roti on a joint exhibition in Okoboji. The partnership included travel between studios and the conversion of another electric kiln. Together, they explored both cone 10 soda and cone 3 soda firings, resulting in a dynamic and varied body of collaborative work. Adam’s ceramics practice is rooted in experimentation, transformation, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of atmospheric firing.

$75.00

Available