If you are a K-12 or post-secondary educator, this page is for you. Watch for teacher professional development opportunities at numerous venues.

Course leader: Ron Korczynski
To register: Call Molly Ansler at (412) 805-6659.

Course leader: Junji Miyazawa
Tuition: $120
Materials/ Lab Fee: $80
ACT 48 Credit hours available and discount for PPS teachers.

Are you seeking a weekly refuge that offers an artistic outlet? Does the idea of soaking up creative energy from clay excite you? Then join us in MCG's ceramics studio for 8 weeks of guided practice, invigorating investigation, and open studio time to expand and develop your skills and knowledge. This course will primarily focus on wheel-thrown functional pottery for anyone from the beginner to the experienced potter. Budding and established ceramic artists are guaranteed to leave fulfilled--whether you're an educator who wants to improve your ceramic skills for the classroom, you want to pursue a hobby with your colleagues outside of work, or you're an artist hoping to experiment and stretch your talent by pooling your peers as resources! We will review basic techniques and principles then challenge our knowledge of different approaches to ceramic art. Interested students will be encouraged to research contemporary clay artists and share their findings with the class for discussion. Don't head home tired on Tuesdays, come for some creative cleansing and get energized this spring in our ceramic sanctuary!

Free workshop for College & University Students and Professors, Area K-12 Students and Teachers, and Artists.

RSVP by March 12th to: rwukich@pathway.net
To inquire about Act 48 hours: 724-458-6700 x249 or virginia_moore@miu4.k12.pa.us

Download a PDF of the flyer for complete schedule.
Sponsored by SRU Potters Guild; SRU Dean, Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts; Midwestern Arts.

Course leader: Amanda Wolf
Tuition: $135
Materials/ Lab Fee: $75
ACT 48 Credit hours available and discount for PPS teachers.

MCG teaching artist Amanda Wolf likes to create functional pottery while exploring the aesthetic possibilities of the clay's surface and the almost endless outcomes of glazing and firing techniques. Join her and other workshop participants for nine evenings of open studio style courses that will propel beginners into the world of the wheel and help intermediate or advanced students refine their throwing skills--all while developing a distinct style that will make your work recognizable! Weekly demonstrations include tips for improving functional wares and finishing forms as well as manipulating the look of your pieces using high temperature gas updraft and soda fire kilns. All are welcome!

The Narrative Ceramic Figure: Form and Surface
9 am- 4 pm. Monday, January 19, 2009
Society for Contemporary Craft
2100 Smallman Street (Strip District)
Pittsburgh PA 15222

Led by Matt Nolen
Tuition: $150
includes materials, a box lunch, and 7 Act 48 credits.
To register: call 412-261-7003 X 25

Teachers rediscover their own creativity as they work with internationally recognized ceramic artist Matt Nolen. In the morning, build a portrait head using slab construction from soft pattern pieces. In the afternoon explore the use of slip, stain and under glaze to address surface development. Nolen also provides tips for adapting his techniques to the classroom.

Robert Briscoe creates forms quickly at the potter’s wheel, manipulating and altering them to emphasize the plasticity of the clay. Join Briscoe in MCG’s ceramics studio for a morning of demonstrations and discussion of pottery, process, techniques, and inspirations. 

Tuition: Experiences with Robert Briscoe are being offered by MCG free of charge, in conjunction with his exhibition at the Society for Contemporary Craft. Please contact David Deily at 412-322-1773 Ext. 193 to confirm your attendance or visit the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild website for more information.

Clay Connections Ceramic Educator Network Kick Off
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 from 4 - 7 p.m.
Manchester Craftsmen's Guild
1815 Metropolitan Street
Pittsburgh PA 15233

Don't miss this first meeting in an upcoming series meant to create a network for K-12 and higher education ceramic teachers in the Western Pennsylvania region. During this session, West Virginia University Assistant Professor, Shoji Satake will share insights and opportunities around WVU's partnership with China's Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. Plus, we will brainstorm topics and dates for future events. Light refreshments and student-led tours will take place between 4-5 p.m.

Tuition: Thanks to generous support from the Alcoa Foundation, this Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh events are free and open to the public!
 
Visit the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild website or call 412-322-1773 Ext. 302 for more information.

Led by Cynthia Weiss
Tuition: This Institute is funded in part by NEA. Participants will be compensated for workshop tuition, lodging in a shared dorm, a full meal plan at the Anderson Ranch café, and a $100 travel stipend. Participants will be responsible for a registration fee of $45, studio fees, and additional travel expenses.
For more information: Visit the Anderson Ranch website or contact Sarabeth Berk at 970-923-3181 x204 or sberk@andersonranch.org 

A unique weeklong opportunity for K-12 art educators to reconnect as artists and earn continuing education credits. The Art Educator Institute will bring 15 art educators together from around the nation to think critically about their dual identities of artist/educators. Besides extensive studio time to focus on personal art making, there will be  seminar sessions themed Mapping Our World: Intersections from the Studio to the Classroom. Application deadline is January 29, 2009.