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Prairie Grove, AR, 72753
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Journal

News from Dowd House Studios: places to find our pottery, exhibitions, classes & workshops, new forms and exciting projects.

Filtering by Category: Workshops & Classes

Tiny Food

Jenny Dowd

Tiny Food!

What is cuter and more mouth watering?

I do not know.

When the Fayetteville Public Library Innovation Lab asked me to teach an air dry clay workshop earlier this month I could not stop thinking about making tiny foods. (If you live in or near Fayetteville, be sure to check out the events at the library - the workshops are free!)

It’s been awhile since I have used air dry clay, but I remembered that working with Fimo is fun. Plus it comes in lots of bright colors and has a long working time.

I spent a couple of afternoons at the kitchen table, giggling while I made some of my favorite foods. Making waffles might have been my favorite, I was pretty excited when I realized a match stick would be perfect for making the square waffle-spots. Unfortunately, the experience was not all giggles. I managed to burn / melt the first batch in the toaster oven (probably not the best for even and exact heat.) I was so sad that I didn’t take a photo, so you’ll just have to imagine a bunch of sad-burnt-melted tiny food.

During the 2-hour workshop my students made the coolest tiny foods! I brought boxes for everyone to transport their foods home in, so those got decorated as well. S’mores, sushi, pies, cakes, popcorn, pizzas, cakes, noodles… oh we had a great time and were all rather hungry when we left!

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categories Community Projects, Education, New Ideas, Sculpture, Workshops & Classes
tags tiny clay food, polymer clay, fimo clay food, fayetteville public library art workshop, jenny dowd sculpture

Class Examples

Jenny Dowd

The spring class schedule is out at the Community Creative Center and I’m pretty excited about some new classes I’ll be teaching! To get ready for each class I made an example piece:

First up, on Tuesday February 22nd, I’ll be teaching a short 2 hour handbuilding with clay session for Seniors. In this workshop we will be making hollow boxes. I like this technique because it is so different from all other forms of handbuilding. It’s also a very satisfying process.

This project can be made in a variety of shapes, for this example I went with a box. After cutting a solid clay chunk out of the bag, I paddled and patted the clay into a cube.

Next, I cut the top or lid off of the cube using a wire tool. When cutting I made a “key” or notch in the middle, this will help the lid to stay in place once the pieces are finished.

Now for the fun part - hollowing out the base and lid. I scooped out the clay using a loop trimming tool and was careful to not make the walls too thin.

Finally, I smoothed out the insides and went over the rim of the lid and base to make sure they had a good fit.

In class we will add texture by carving into the outside of the box and add color with underglaze.

Starting at the end of March, I’ll be teaching a 6-week slab building class. We will work with wet slabs to create cylinders and use stiff slabs to create boxes, or in this case - a flower pot. Slab building can be quick, so we will also use a bold quick decorating process.

To make my example flower pot, I first made a cardboard template and then rolled out several slabs of clay. I used the template to cut 4 sides and then let them dry until they were stiff enough to support themselves but not actually dry.

I attached each side to the base, smoothed the sides and top, added feet, and drilled some holes in the bottom for drainage.

To decorate the red stoneware, I placed torn ribbons of newsprint around the sides of the pot, then brushed over the whole thing with yellow slip. The fun part was peeling off the newsprint and revealing the clay below!

Just to play around I added some green, black, and red stamps using slip. I started thinking about how I didn’t really have a plan, which made me realize that I should spend a little time with my class sketching on paper with pencils to develop pattern and design.

And finally, I’m teaching a 6-week class specifically about applying glaze.

We will cover application processes, troubleshoot glaze flaws, explore ways to find your voice and style through decoration, and also answer the question - is glaze affected by the type of clay it is applied to? (Spoiler - Yes!)

Pictured here along with the studio glaze test tiles, are 4 cups made from 4 different types of clay (porcelain, buff stoneware, red stoneware, black stoneware) They have each been glazed with the same glaze, but not yet fired.

Find out the results in my glaze class, or on the Dowd House Studios Facebook page (I’ll post once they are out of the kiln)

Check out the whole schedule here!

Source Comment
categories Education, Process, Workshops & Classes
tags jenny dowd clay classes, nwa art classes, handbuilding with clay, community creative center

Winter Classes

Jenny Dowd

I’ve been taking a bit of a break to recharge - it was needed because all of a sudden I can’t wait to work in the studio and start teaching classes again!

Already a lot is happening in the studio (new stuff coming soon!) and classes begin this week at the Art Association.

Clay Surfaces: Color, Glaze & Pattern

Jan 10 - Feb 7 | 11:30am - 2pm

This class will cover lots of surface techniques - texture & stamping as well as the many ways to use underglaze and slip: sgraffito, inlay & mishima, stencils, transfers, wax etching… This class is the place to find or enhance your style!

Monotype, Chine-collé, and Hand-sewn Techniques

2 different sessions:

Feb 6 & 13 | 1 - 4pm

April 17 & 24 | 6 - 9pm

Learn the basics of monotype printmaking, a process that can be quick or layered. We will explore techniques to make marks using an etching press as well as techniques that you can do at home without a press.

Monotypes are one-time prints that I find truly special and sometimes haunting. Whether you love to draw & paint or are a little intimidated by paper - you will make interesting designs, patterns, and images that are exciting and one-of-a-kind.

We will also add to the layers of our prints with chine-collé and collage techniques.

Daytime Beginning Throwing

2 different sessions:

Feb 14 - March 21 | 11:30am - 2pm

April 18 - May 23 | 11:30am - 2pm

How does a lump of clay become a mug? Learn all the basics in this daytime throwing class. It will be awkward and messy at first, but you’ll have something you can eat out of by the end of the class!

Drawing Topics

2 different sessions:

Feb 20 - March 13 | 1 - 4pm

May 8 - 28 | 6 - 9pm

I think that drawing is a really important way to communicate. Whether you are doodling while waiting or are giving someone instructions that need a little visual component or you desire to make a realistic drawing of an object - drawing is useful. Learn confidence during this 4-week class as we work through the basics and a variety of techniques to get you started to brush up your skills.

Check out the Events page on the website to see Sam’s classes, and dates for shows and other events as we know them!

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categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Art Association of Jackson Hole, ceramics Class, jenny dowd clay classes, drawing class, printmaking classes, monotype class, surface design on clay

Fall Classes

Jenny Dowd

Fall classes have begun at the Art Association! I’m teaching a variety of topics…

Make your own clay and silver jewelry in Melding Minerals. In this 3-part class we will make jewelry components from stoneware and porcelain, highlighting texture, color, and surface design. Then we will put it all together with silversmith Jen McNaughton.

Tuesdays | 5:30 - 8:30pm | Sept 18 - Oct 2

Surface Design on Pottery started this past Wednesday, but it’s not too late to drop in for any topic you are curious about. Sgraffito, inlay & mishima, decals & transfers…

Wednesdays | 6 - 9pm | Sept 12 - Oct 17

Drawing Topics is a great drawing class to refresh your skills or start up a good drawing habit. Each week covers a different topic, sign up for all or just a few.

Tuesdays | 10am - 12pm | Oct 2 - Nov 6

In Handbuilding with Clay - Daytime we will cover all the basic handbuilding techniques - slab, pinch, coil, plus a lot more. Bring your ideas- large and small! Learn how to use studio tools such as the slab roller and extruder.

Wednesdays | Oct 24 - Nov 28 | 12 - 2pm

I’m offering 2 opportunities to make your own cards before the holidays:

Printing & Sewing: Cardmaking In this one-day workshop we will spend the morning making designs, and patterns by making simple screenprints and monotypes. In the afternoon we will collage these prints by sewing them onto cards with other found and handmade papers. No glue! The sewing machine lines can create beautiful attachments and simple lines that add to your design. No sewing or printmaking experience necessary.

Saturday | Nov 3 | 10am - 3pm

Monotype Printmaking: Holiday Cards Spend an afternoon making fun and simple cards to celebrate the holidays (or any event.) Learn simple monotype techniques and make cards or images in multiple sizes. Once the print has dried you can even go back and draw on top of the colors or images… so many options!

Tuesday | Dec 4 | 1 - 4pm

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categories Workshops & Classes, Education
tags art association of jackson hole, Art classes in Jackson Hole, handbuilding with clay, surface design on clay, drawing class, printmaking classes, make your own cards

Summer Classes

Jenny Dowd

The summer class schedule just arrived at the Art Association and I'll be teaching 2 classes this summer. If you are looking for a little art instruction this might be just the thing, the topical classes are perfect to drop into. Check out the complete schedule here, there are lots of great offerings!

Surface Decoration on Pottery

June 26 - July 31 | Tuesday | 6 - 9 pm

Each week we will explore a different topic- from decoration before bisque, glazing techniques, and how to make your own decals:

Wet Clay:
June 26: Carving / Stamping / Sprigging / Thinking about Glazing and Staining
Leather Hard Clay:
July 3: Sgraffito (Slip or underglaze)
July 10: Mishima and inlay (Underglaze)
July 17: Monotype Transfers (Slip)
July 24: Many ways of Stencils (Slip)
Post Glaze:
July 31: Decals - how to design and print your own

Drawing Topics

June 7 - July 26 | Thursday | 10am - 12pm

An introduction and refresher to drawing skills for the artist who wishes to improve this basic skill set required to become an artist. 

June 7: Line
June 14: Shape & Space
June 28: 1 point Perspective
July 5: 2 point Perspective
July 19: Value
July 26: Composition

Maybe I'll see you in the studio! 

Comment
categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Art classes in Jackson Hole, Art Association of Jackson Hole, pottery decoration, beginning drawing

Spring Classes

Jenny Dowd

Since it's feeling more damp & muddy than warm & springy right now in Jackson, this might be the perfect time for a clay class! I am teaching 3 classes that start over the next few weeks, plus there are lots more coming up, read on for details and check out the Art Association online schedule for more.

Beginning Throwing II - A La Carte

You've taken a throwing class or just need a refresher? Sign up for just one session or all 7, each week will address a specific topic. Click here for details and the list of dates and topics.

April 11 - May 23, Wednesday, 6-9pm

Handbuilding - Daytime

This daytime class is perfect for the beginner who wants to learn to create bowls, dishes, vases, tiles and more without the potter’s wheel. Sculptural forms will also be created as we build basic but fun forms using pinch, coil, and slab techniques. Then learn to add that personal touch using sculpting, alteration, stamps, stencils, painting, slip, stains, sgraffito, found objects and more.

April 16 - May 21, Monday, 12:30 - 2:30pm

Beginning Throwing - Daytime

How does a lump of clay become a mug or a bowl? Do you dream of eating cake off of your very own handmade dishes? This beginning throwing class is for you! Check out the details here.

April 26 - May 31, Thursday, 12:30 - 2:30

Hope to see you in the studio!

Comment
categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Art Association of Jackson Hole, jenny dowd clay classes, Beginning throwing, handbuilding with clay

Winter Classes

Jenny Dowd

A new year is here, with unforeseen ideas, projects, and challenges. One of the ways I challenge myself is by teaching. I find these moments a good opportunity to stretch and share my ideas while pushing myself and others.

Sam and I are both teaching a lot of classes in the upcoming winter session at the Art Association, here are some that are starting in the next few weeks. (Check out the full listing here!)

Beginning Drawing Topics, Tuesdays 1 - 4pm

An introduction and refresher to drawing skills for the artist who wishes to improve this basic skill set required to become an artist. Four weeks of innovative classical drawing instruction emphasizing observation and eye-hand coordination. Weekly topics are as follows:

Jan 9 - Line & Shape
Jan 16 - Perspective & Space
Jan 23 - Value & Depth
Jan 30 - Composition + Putting it All Together

Ceramic Sculpture, Wednesdays 6 - 9pm, January 10 - February 14

Using slab and coil techniques, build a large scale ceramic sculpture or 2, be it abstract, animal or human in nature. Sectional sculpture making will also be covered. This technique is used to make sculptural works easier to move and fire. Artwork made in this class will be allowed to slow dry and be fired sometime in March.

Beginning Wheel Throwing, Thursdays 12:30 - 2:30pm, February 8 - March 15

During this class, students will learn techniques that emphasize the creation of forms on the potter’s wheel; cups, mugs, bowls and plates by learning to throw, trim, alter, pull handles, and slip decoration. Students are encouraged to take additional classes to learn the art of glazing as this is primarily a throwing class. 

Welding Sampler, Feb 9: 5-8pm & Feb 10: 9:30-4:30

Learn different welding techniques by sampling many different welding processes by creating small projects out of mild steel such as a plant holder, fireplace pokers or small sculptures. Discussions will include welding safety, settings, the positives and negatives of different welding techniques, and how to get started with your own machine or tanks.

Drawing & Monotype Printmaking, Tuesdays 1-4pm, February 6-27

Enrich your drawing skill set and learn how to yield the power of the press. Take your marks on paper to a plexi with printing ink and move your practiced 2D skills into the next realm: monotype.

Business Skills for Artists, Drop-in Series, Saturdays 1 - 4pm

Artist Statement & Bio: January 27 & February 3

Resume & CV: February 24

Photographing your artwork: March 24

Application Opportunities: April 28

Creating your Web Presence: May 26

Marketing your Artwork: June 30

Source Comment
categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags Jenny Dowd, Art Association of Jackson Hole, local art classes, jackson hole art classes, Beginning throwing, Beginning Drawing

Succulent Planter Workshop

Jenny Dowd

This week I will be teaching a clay workshop at Penny Lane Cooperative! Make your own small flowerpot and personalize it with decorations. After I glaze and fire the pots, come back for a planting party! Or stop by and pick up your succulent planting kit.

We will start out with a block of clay- you can shape it to a square, rectangle, even a cylinder. Then scoop out the clay inside, shape the top and carve a saucer. Next step decorate! Add color and design with underglaze.

I will bisque fire the pots and add a clear glaze, making them bright, shiny and ready for plants. When you come back to Penny Lane Cooperative, your planter will be waiting for you- plus a planting kit: soil, sand, succulent, plus notes on care.

Thursday June 29

5 - 7 pm at Penny Lane Cooperative

$40- includes all materials

Come back and pick up your project July 13 or after

Space and supplies are limited, please let Andi at Penny Lane Cooperative know you would like to attend: andi@pennylanecooperative.com or 307-203-2323

Questions? hello@dowdhousestudios.com

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categories Workshops & Classes
tags jenny dowd, clay workshop, workshop at penny lane cooperative, succulent planters, diy plant pot

Card Making Workshop

Jenny Dowd

Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up!

To help you prepare for these big days, I'll be teaming up with Alissa Davies to teach a workshop at Penny Lane Cooperative.

Stations around the room will be set up to help you make beautiful and creative cards for Mother's Day (May 14) and/or Father's Day (June 18.) Try your hand at collage and painting with fabric, paper and stencils or work with text and learn how to write a haiku.

All supplies are included, this will be a fun evening of art, snacks and drinks. Bring a friend (or sibling) and make something special!

The class will be held on Wednesday May 10 from 5 - 7pm and the cost is $25. (Children are welcome to attend with a parent for free.) And if you have an art making material you'd like to try out, bring it along!

Space is limited, to register call: 307-203-2323 or email: andi@pennylanecooperative.com

 

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categories Education, Workshops & Classes
tags alissa davies, jenny dowd, card making workshop, mothers day fathers day cards, penny lane cooperative