Gay for Clay: Little Bit of Everything

Come spend time in queer community and learn to throw on the wheel and hand build with clay! We’ll explore both techniques through a series of guided projects including wheel-thrown spoon rests and hand-built wall hangings. This is a great introductory or one-time class for folks interested in exploring clay as an art form. The class will include discussion of clay, glazes, and kilns that will give students a holistic understanding of ceramics.

This class is designed as a space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to have fun and learn about clay. With this in mind, we ask that at least one member of your registration group identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

 
Experience level: No experience needed! Students with beginner-level experience will have the option to focus exclusively on wheel-throwing or hand building, if desired. ​

Student work will be available for pick up 1-3 weeks after the end of the class.

Enrollment includes one 25 lb. bag of clay

CLASS DETAILS

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Day: ​Thursdays
Times: 6PM - 8:30PM
(2.5 hour class)
Dates: October 10 - November 21*
*No class meeting Nov. 14
(6 week class)
Location: Ceramics Studios 
(417 E. Call St.)
​Instructor: Laurel Blackthorne
Ages: Adults
Tuition: $200 for members/$210 for non-members

Supplies: Tuition includes clay, use of studio tools and firing of work. Additional clay is available for purchase.

Course Syllabus
Refund Policy

​ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

LAUREL BLACKTHORNE (They/Them)
I am a community and self-taught ceramic artist. I’ve lived in Tallahassee for almost twenty years and absolutely love the community I have found here. While I’ve been working with clay for six years, I transitioned to a career in the arts in late 2020 out of a desire to engage with the world in a different way. My art focuses on themes of nature, queerness, resistance, and joy and I make a combination of functional pottery and ceramic sculpture. I think the strength of art is its ability to bring people together. Alongside my own artistic practice, I work as a pottery instructor specializing in helping students build strong foundations in ceramics and decorative techniques.

I am also the Executive Director and one of the founding members of the Queer Tallahassee Artists Collective. Founded in 2021 QTAC is committed to building economic opportunity and community spaces that celebrate LGBTQIA+ artists. I am deeply committed to the importance of arts in the Tallahassee community and recognize the importance of creating safe spaces for marginalized communities to engage in the arts.

​You can find me at BlackthorneCeramics.com and can always reach me at [email protected]. 
​
You can view Laurel Blackthorne's website here!