Hand-building : Storytelling and Reconnecting with the Earth

Hand-building : Storytelling and Reconnecting with the Earth

Multi-Generational | Registration opens 8/6/2025 10:00 AM MDT

200 Grant St Denver, CO 80203 United States
B-5
All
10/15/2025-11/12/2025
5:30 PM-8:30 PM MDT on Wed
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$328.75
$287.12

Hand-building : Storytelling and Reconnecting with the Earth

Multi-Generational | Registration opens 8/6/2025 10:00 AM MDT

This class we will be holding space for students unique vision, learning basic slab building, pinch pots, coils and sculptural building to tell students own storytelling through the earth. We will build reciprocity with the mud and imagination. Learning unique glaze and cold finishing techniques

  • Clay:

    Each class includes a materials fee which covers the cost of firing and glazing. In addition to this fee, students will need to purchase clay through the Registration Office at ASLD, which must be done in person. Clay costs are $20 for 25lbs of stoneware, $25 for 25lbs of porcelain.  Please only purchase clay from ASLD, unless approved by the studio manager.  No low-fire clays may be used at ASLD.

     

    Tools:

    Community tools are available for student use, in exception of a small sponge. If you prefer personal tools, a basic ceramics tool kit, small sponges and large clean up sponges are available for purchase at the Registration Office.

     

    Other supplies:

    Students are encouraged to wear clothes that can get dirty to ceramics class, including close-toed shoes. We also recommend bringing an apron and a towel.


    Please review the ceramics studio policies before attending the first class: CERAMICS STUDIO POLICIES


  • Local Ceramic supply stores:

  • Rocky Mountain Clay 1220 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
  • Continental Clay 5303 East 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
  • Stoneleaf Pottery 6611 W 58th Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
  • Meiningers 499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Cal Duran

Cal Duran is a Queer, Two Spirit, Indigenous, Native, Mixed blood. Latinx, Manito, Mestizo, Chicanx, Indian Artist, and Arts Educator from Colorado. Art has been a portal to channel his indigenous ancestors, where he slips under an emotional spinning vortex of creation. The makers of his blood flow through him. He channels the artisans, craft-makers, mud-dwellers, star-makers, dream-weavers and earth-brothers and sisters the ones who paved the way and forged the path. His work carries spirit, and his truth is in everything he creates. He has roots that bridge India, Mexico and the natives of this land. He finds himself exploring parallels between his hybrid identities found in myth, religion, and ritual.
 

He has shown altars, installations and artwork in museums and galleries throughout the Denver Metro area and beyond. He continues to honor his ancestors and recently created a room at Meow Wolf in Denver, honoring the indigenous tribes of Colorado and the Americas. He understands the importance of land acknowledgment honoring all the Earth tribes across the globe and the indigenous lineages down his blood line. Growing up separated from his culture, his mom was adopted and his father was not in his life; he grew up trying to figure out his cultural roots. Art was where he could connect and find his heritage. It was through art that he began to connect to his ancestors. He is guided by these ancestors to create altars as beacons of light for the ones beyond this realm.

As a youth educator, Cal understands how important art is for our next generation in creating safe spaces and helping youth find their voice. He is honored to weave his vision of ancestral knowledge to guide others as they seek to reconnect to ancestors, create altars and remember where they came from. He gives gratitude and love to everyone working hard to create a world full of love, joy and creativity.