Commercial Ceramics 1 (CTE)

Ceramics students learn about the properties of clay, the tools required to sculpt the clay and the processes of firing and glazing.  Students will make a variety of useful and/or decorative objects and learn the basics of entrepreneurship. Topics covered include:

• Safety and professionalism in the ceramics lab

• Tools

• Stages of clay

• Studio maintenance and clay care

• Hand building

  • pinch

  • coil 

  • slab

• Glazing ceramics

• Creating ceramic products to sell

• Wheel throwing - second semester

• Applying the elements of art and the principles of design to ceramic art

• Artistic habits such as planning, creativity, research, perseverance, presentation and reflection

• How to create and present a professional, digital portfolio 

• Click Here for the Ceramic's Guide 

Commercial Ceramics 2 (CTE)

Prerequisite Commercial Ceramics 1

This class completes the Commercial Ceramics pathway.  Through hands-on experiences, students will build on their Ceramics 1 experience and learn advanced techniques and skills necessary to create functional and decorative ceramic pieces. Students will work in a leadership role within teams to create artwork, and maintain the studio to professional standards. 

This course allows students a little more autonomy and encourages students to develop their own ceramic style.  Students learn about entrepreneurialism and community involvement.  

Students will create a professional portfolio of their work in the course. 

The course covers:

1. Clay Preparation and Properties:

   • Understanding different types of clay and their properties.

   • Learning how to prepare clay for shaping and firing.

2. Advanced Hand-Building Techniques:

   • Pinch, coil, and slab techniques for creating pottery.

   • Sculpting and shaping clay by hand.

   • Planning and executing advanced level ceramic projects and sets

3. Wheel Throwing:

   • Using the potter’s wheel to create symmetrical forms.

   • Centering, pulling, and shaping clay on the wheel.

4. Surface Decoration:

   • Glazing techniques to add color and texture.

   • Carving, stamping, and painting on clay surfaces.

5. Artistic Expression:

   • Encouraging creativity and self-expression through ceramic art.

   • Exploring cultural and historical influences on ceramics.

   • Creating sculptural artwork that interacts with the space around it

6. College and Career Paths

   • Next steps in ceramic education

   • Entrepreneurial ceramics

   • Community interaction

   • Selling and supervising 

   • Leading a team