The Art of the Teapot

Monday - Friday, July 23 - 27   10 am - 4 pm
Medium: ceramics
Instructor: Rick Berman
Levels: II, III
Tuition: $375 member / $410 non-member

Guaranteed to be very rewarding! This five-day wheel and hand building workshop is dedicated to the art of the teapot. Berman states, "The making of a teapot is the culmination of a potter’s knowledge. If a potter can make a teapot, he or she can make anything." The process includes making a thrown form, a lid, a handle and a bottle for the spout. Tuition includes a bisque firing for pots to be taken home and glazed. The last day will focus on glazing and firing using the American Raku technique which involves firing glazed pots in a small updraft kiln to 1850 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot pots are then removed from the kiln with tongs and smoked in any combustible material such as pine straw, sawdust or newspaper. It is requested that students bring five to ten bisque fired pots made from any commercially made Raku clay or Phoenix Stoneware to participate in the Raku firing.
Rick Berman has been a potter for forty three years. He earned his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Georgia and served as founder and director of the ceramics program at Callanwolde Art Center in Atlanta from 1973-1980. Rick has taught at numerous schools including Penland, Arrowmont, John C. Campbell Folk School, The Hambidge Center, Brookfield Craft Center, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, North Georgia College, West Georgia College, The Everson Museum, The Universtiy of Hawaii, Emory Universtiy, The Arusha School in Tanzania, Africa, the Pune Ceramics Center in Poona, India, and The University of Kentucky to name a few. Rick has also served as curator and juror for numerous exhibitions and has authored two books, Teapots and Rick Berman Clayworker, and has published articles in Ceramics Monthly, Art Papers, Claytimes, and Studio Potter. His work has appeared on the covers of Ceramics Monthly and Claytimes and in one man, group, and invitational exhibitions nation wide. Rick’s work can also be found in a variety of collections including the High Museum, The Harriet Tubman Museum, , The Chicago Art Institute, The Takasaeo Research Institute in Tokoyo, Xu Xing Thao in Suzhou, China, the Mehera Irani Estate in Meherazad, India, Congressman John Lewis, Jane Fonda, Andres Serrano, Peter Voulkos and Yo Yo Ma.

Supply List: All supplies and equipment provided.