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    Art Department Lecture Series & Events

    Help us grow our Lecture Series Programming & Student Experience!

    Your generous donation makes our work possible. Thank you for supporting our programs.đź’—

    Upcoming Events

    Art wood kiln-1

    Wood Kiln Building Workshop

    June 9th - June 14th and Inaugural wood firing August 29th - 31st  
     
    Join Mike Tavares and Laney College for a hands-on workshop where we will build an American-style wood-fired train kiln. This unique kiln features a removable flat top, making it easier to load work without the need to crawl inside, and its compact size allows for faster firing turnarounds. The kiln’s design has been meticulously drawn layer by layer using Google SketchUp, a 3D modeling program, allowing us to bring the vision to life with precision. Throughout the workshop, participants will actively contribute to the construction of the kiln, learning key techniques in kiln building along the way. We will also cover essential aspects of the firing process, including proper loading techniques, wadding, glazing, and overall firing etiquette. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or new to wood firing, this workshop offers valuable insights into kiln construction and the art of wood firing in a collaborative, hands-on environment. As part of this workshop, students will also be invited to participate in our inaugural firing over Labor Day weekend, August 29th - 31st
     
    Pricing - $330 Student - $450 General Public, $50 for June 14th Kiln Basics Demo and Lecture
    Artist Bio
     
    Mike Tavares is a Providence, Rhode Island native, born to Cape Verdean immigrants, whose artistic practice is deeply influenced by both his cultural heritage and everyday life. Mike received his BFA at Syracuse University with a concentration in ceramic art. As an artist, Mike primarily works with clay, creating unique dishware and sculptures. His journey into the world of ceramics is informed by his artistic vision and hands-on experience in firing and building wood kilns. His artwork is a reflection of his lived experiences, with a particular focus on the daily rituals and traditions of his Cape Verdean upbringing. Mike uses tools he crafts to cut and shape his work resulting in a matte or textured surface that encourages soft markings and deep earth tones from the wood kiln.
     
    During his time at Syracuse University, he co-founded Clay Siblings, a nonprofit initiative that brought college students into high schools and after-school programs across multiple cities. Through Clay Siblings, Mike and his team used art to connect with kids, fostering creativity and linking them to other opportunities within their communities. These experiences have shaped his belief in the power of creative solutions to bring positive change to both animals and people.
    Collage Workshop

    International Collage Day

    May 10th 11am - 2pm  
     
    A collage can function like a sketch to explore new ideas or as a final composition. It can be tiny or huge, simple or highly complex.
    Join us in the Laney Printmaking Studio for this three-hour workshop where we will learn a little about the history of this powerful medium, look at works by some exciting contemporary artists, and make our own unique collages. Techniques for composition, selecting materials, cutting, and gluing will be discussed and demonstrated. At the end of the workshop, we will share our collages and have an informal (and supportive) critique of one another’s work. A list of collage artists, books about collage, and places for sourcing collage materials will be provided. This workshop is great for people new to the medium, but experienced collage makers are also welcome. All materials for making collages will be provided but participants may bring ephemera they’d like to use in their collages, as well.
     
    Pricing - $35 Student $40 General Public
    Artist Bio
     
    Susanna is a visual artist working in photography, ceramics, print, textiles, and collage. She made her first collage when she was a kid. Collage has been part of her artistic practice ever since. Susanna earned a BA in creative non-fiction writing and photography from Hampshire College, and an MFA in Studio Art from Mills College. She is gallery manager and curator of the June Steingart Gallery at Laney College.
     
    Photography: www.circa1973.com
    Collage: IG @onpaperwork
     

    Past Lecture Series

    Registration for Summer 2024 opens on April 19th. Contact the Laney Art Department Chair for more information.

    The Sculptural Lidded Jar

    In this engaging 2-day hands-on workshop, Punch will guide you through the delightful process of crafting her signature sculptural lidded jar. Blending pottery and sculpture infuses functional pieces with a sense of playfulness and joy.

    Demonstrations include: hand-building vessels and sculptural parts, underglaze methods like water coloring, sgraffito, wash, and underglaze pencil. Drawing from her personal journey with clay, Punch will share valuable tips and tricks to help you navigate the creative process effectively. This is a hands-on workshop, so get ready
    to get your hands dirty and let your imagination run wild.

    Pricing – Students $140, General Public $180, June 8th Lecture and Demo $95

    workshop registrationlecture registration

    Artist Bio/Statement

    Bangkok-born Chanakarn Semachai, known as Punch, is a ceramic artist and educator. She earned her BA from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, and her Master of Fine Arts from Edinboro University, USA. Her work explores identity and multiculturalism, blending sculptural and functional elements with vibrant colors and ornamentation to convey personal narratives with humor.

    A 2022 NCECA Emerging Artist awardee, she also earned recognition from The Ceramics Monthly. Additionally, in 2024, she attended the Gulgong Ceramic Festival in Australia as one of the featured masters. Currently, she teaches creative ceramics full-time at Chulalongkorn University.
    Artist Website | www.numpucsh.com

    Hand Build Ceramics

    Scott Jennings will present the techniques that he uses to produce his varied body of ceramic artwork in this 2-day workshop.

    Day 1 will explore the use of soft slabs to produce function vessels. Scott will demonstrate how to create patterns, add texture to the surface, and how to bring volume into an otherwise static form.

    Day 2 will focus on the versatility of using coil-building techniques to achieve vessel and sculptural forms. Surface treatments and design will also be presented.

    Pricing – Student $90, General Public $110, Friday Evening Lecture $35

    workshop registrationlecture registration

    Artist Biography

    Scott is a Bay Area artist who has worked with clay for 30+ years. He has many years of experience teaching at private, municipal, and community college ceramic studios. Scott has worked as a ceramic technician and a
    production manager in the ceramic industry. He maintains a studio in San Francisco.
    Artist Website | www.scottjenningsceramics.com

    Past Events

    Throwvember-2024-Flyer

    Throwvember

    Community Arts Event and Pottery Throwdown
    November 1st, 2024, 5-7pm
    Sponsored by the Laney Makers Collective and the Laney Art Department
     
    Pottery Throwdown:

    - Longest pulled handle
    - Tallest 1 pull cylinder
    - 1 minute wheel thrown bowl
    - Ghost throwing (use another person’s hands)

    3d Potter Bot Demonstration
    Costume Contest
    Dance Party
    Potluck 
     
     
     

    Past Visiting Artists

    Summer 2023
    Ceramic Visiting Artists

    Press-mold & Paper Clay Techniques 
    taught by Wesley Wright and Malia Landis 

    past artists
    Saturday, June 10th 10am -4pm 

    Non-Student Rate $70
    Student Rate $50 
    10% off for Laney Students use code LNYSTDNT at checkout

    Click Here to Register

    Join Wes and Malia for a collaborative workshop with hands-on demonstrations!

    The workshop will begin with lectures discussing the broader applications of their process, followed by concurrent demonstrations.  Wesley will use larger press molds to construct an animal totem while Malia will construct flower and plant forms in paper clay to be added to the totem toward the end of the demonstration.  Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the hands-on demonstration and work alongside each artist.  Use of press molds, ceramic sculpting techniques and how to approach working with paper clay will all be covered…. plus so much more! Join us for the fun.

      InstagramWesley Wright

      InstagramMalia Landis

    Handbuilding, Surfacing & Play…Oh My!
    Taught by Didem Mert

    Handbuilding
    Saturday, July 8th 10am -3pm

    Non-Student Rate  $75
    Student Rate  $60

    Click Here to Register

    Join Didem Mert for a one-day Lecture and Hands-on Demonstration!

    Put a childlike sense of PLAY back into your clay practice with visiting artist instructor Didem Mert (she/they)!  Those with some clay experience are all welcome for this “handy” workshop.  Didem will teach participants how to make slab build vessels, over three different handle designs, coil and pinched and paddled large coil vessels, jewelry, and more!  Oh, you thought we were only going to learn constructing and building techniques in this workshop?  Guess again!  Didem will also show participants how to use underglazes, stencils, and more to create one-of-a-kind surfaces that POP and feel alive!  Participants should bring one bisque piece to try out different surfacing techniques and materials during the workshop.  Come play in clay! 

    InstagramDidem Mert