Hand-building with Clay: Exploring Portraits and Masks
Adult Class | Registration opens 11/4/2026 10:00 AM MDT
During this class, we will explore making freestanding clay portrait busts along with creating masks that can hang on the wall. For the first few weeks, we will start work on small-scale portrait busts as we discuss facial proportions and additive and subtractive sculpting techniques. As we complete the busts and hollow them out, we will turn to wall masks using animal imagery for inspiration. The last two weeks of class we will turn our attention to glazing the work.
- Prior ceramic experience is necessary for this class.
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
Vicky Smith
Vicky Smith is passionate about ceramics and the intersection of art, education, and the relaxing, potentially healing power of working with clay. She has taught ceramics to students of all ages in numerous educational settings that include nonprofit art centers, public and private schools, colleges and artist cooperatives. Her teaching philosophy centers on the idea that working with clay can be a positive experience that helps balance out the pressures of everyday life and can become a vehicle for accessing and using ones’ creative voice.
In her own work, Smith’s focus is on hand-built organic, sculptural forms that exhibit a quiet, introspective narrative. The surfaces are layered with combinations of slip, terra sigillata, glaze, oil, and sealant. In addition to her ceramic sculptures, she produces handmade tiles and has several tile installations on permanent display. Her work has been displayed in local and national shows. She holds an M.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design and a B.F.A. from the University of Colorado.