Take the fear out of clay! This session is designed for new art educations or anyone who wants to build confidence in using kiln-fired clay by learning essential clay management skills, kiln operation basics, common mistakes to avoid, and practical storage solutions. Participants will leave with a variety of successful clay project ideas for different grade levels and ability ranges, along with favorite tools, tips, and time-saving strategies for a successful ceramics program.
How can ceramics education help students develop the capacity to remain engaged with uncertainty rather than rushing toward fixed answers? This session introduces the concept of “disciplined ambiguity” as a framework for structuring inquiry, critique, and material exploration in the ceramics classroom. Through examples drawn from studio practice and reflective discussion, participants will explore strategies for sustaining interpretive openness, encouraging thoughtful risk-taking, and helping students engage complexity through making.
