Seize the clay: Handbuilding workshops offered at Volcano Art Center

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“Handbuilding” is working with clay by hand, using only simple tools and not the pottery wheel. Before potters had the wheel, they were creating beautiful pots and clay forms using clay, their hands and fingers and basic hand tools.

Handbuilding” is working with clay by hand, using only simple tools and not the pottery wheel. Before potters had the wheel, they were creating beautiful pots and clay forms using clay, their hands and fingers and basic hand tools.

Coils of clay can be used to build bowls, vases and other forms in various shapes and sizes. Slabs of clay can be placed over rocks, bowls and plastic forms to create interesting shapes. Begin a pinch pot by forming a lump of clay into a smooth sphere that fits the size of the hand.

Join instructor Lisa Louise Adams for six, fun weeks of playing with clay at the Volcano Art Center Niualani Campus. Learn how to coil, pinch and slab-build form, manipulate and carve then let dry, get fired, paint on glazes and fire again. Wheels will be available for those who already know how to throw.

There will be an evening and afternoon session: From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings starting May 31 and 2:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday afternoons starting June 2. The cost for either workshop is $125, or $113 for VAC members, plus a $25 materials fee.

The Volcano Art Center’s Niualani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. No previous experience needed. Bring your joy of discovery and sense of adventure.