Professional Crafts - Clay

Community is our middle name. Free tuition for spring 2025.

 

creative arts

Professional Crafts - Clay

The clay program offers a comprehensive curriculum to support the creation of ceramic work ranging from utilitarian table ware to one-a-kind artwork. Students learn a variety of clay-working skills and gain technical knowledge of clay and glaze materials to realize their creative visions. Additional hands-on work includes firing kilns and managing a studio. The study of ancient and contemporary ceramic practices, marketing strategies and business models provide a well-rounded and practical education. Graduates complete the program with thorough knowledge of clay, glaze and firing techniques as well as business skills to prepare them for a future in ceramic production, entrepreneurship, gallery-work or teaching.

mountains

Highlights of the Program

Tour the Studio

  • Small class sizes 
  • Intensive studio classes with hands-on learning 
  • Design and craft history classes 
  • Marketing and business planning 
  • Craft photography and portfolio design
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • On-campus gallery for professional and student exhibitions 
  • Participation in regional and national craft shows and exhibitions
  • Affiliation with Southern Highland Craft Guild, Haywood County Arts Council, National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts

Clay Facility

  • Designated workspace equipped with a Shimpo Whisper potter’s wheel for each student
  • North Star slab roller
  • Clay extruder
  • Complete glaze laboratory
  • Spray booth
  • Clay mixing room
  • Peter Pugger clay mixer
  • Cone Art high temperature electric kilns
  • Gas fired soda kiln
  • Gas fired raku kiln
  • Gas fired car kiln
  • Catenary wood kiln

Degrees/Certificates

  • Associate in Applied Science – Professional Crafts: Clay 
  • Diploma in Professional Crafts: Clay 

Career Potential

Outlook

Jobs

  • Studio Potter / Studio Artist
  • Production Potter

Outside the Classroom

two clay mugs

Haywood Studios is a student organization creating, marketing, and selling their crafts in the community at various events.

Class Schedules

girl working on pottery

HCC offers a variety of class times to fit your busy schedule. Different class options are available based on your graduation year. You can view available classes and then meet with your advisor to get registered.

Technical Standards   Program Schedule   Search for Courses   Program Cost

For more information contact:

Emily Reason
  • Emily Reason
  • Instructor - Clay
Farrah Rodriguez
  • Farrah Rodriguez
  • Success Coach

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