Students of all skill levels can form and finish ceramic ware during a noncredit ceramics class this summer at Northland Pioneer College’s Show Low – White Mountain Campus.
“Beginning students will gain the basic knowledge to form and finish pieces,” commented instructor Michael Sweeney. For the advanced student, it will provide an intensive studio environment to innovate and expand their techniques. I would like to share with the NPC ceramics student what I’ve learned over a lifetime of pottery making.”
Cost for the summer ceramics class (reference ART 099x-80906) is $200, which includes a $20 lab fee for glazes and kiln firings. The class meets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday, May 31 through July 7, in the Aspen Center’s ceramics lab, room 104.
Sweeney has over 40 years of experience in ceramics. While attending college, he apprenticed under master potter Gurujan Singh in Laguna Beach, CA., and also taught ceramics at the Experimental College at the University of California – Irvine. A Spanish and Cultural Anthropology major in college, he spent 15 months in Central America, studying Mayan Art and Culture.
In 1987, Sweeney began attending ceramics classes at NPC. After 11 semesters, he built a kiln and set up a studio in his home, offering informal lessons. Feeling the need for inspiration and the company of other potters, he came back to NPC, studying under instructors Lee Sweetman and Sharon Brush, and served as a studio aide for the past year. Several of his ceramics pieces were included in last fall’s faculty Talon Gallery exhibition.
Register at least a week before the class starts to ensure it is not cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. Sign up at any NPC location during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closed on Fridays, or by phone, (800) 266-7845 ext. 7459.
For additional information about this or other personal interest classes, contact Loyelin Aceves, community education program coordinator, 536-6244, or (800) 266-7845, ext. 6244, or e-mail. You can also view a current list of personal interest classes by clicking on the "Learning Adventures Classes!" link to the right of the large photo.