Niche Niche
Create a ceramic wall niche filled with warmth, texture, and personal style in this inspiring hand building workshop.
Designed to hold a contain what you value, a ring, a tea light candle, these decorative wall pieces feature pierced patterns that allow light to shine through, casting beautiful shadows and creating a cozy atmosphere in any space.
This workshop is beginner friendly and no clay experience is needed. Students will be guided step-by-step through the process of transforming raw clay into a finished ceramic piece while learning foundational slab construction and handbuilding techniques.
A template will be provided for the structure of the luminaria, which students may follow directly or adapt into their own unique design. Surface decoration and creative details are encouraged throughout the process.
During the first session, students will build their luminarias from clay. The second session focuses on surface design using colorful underglazes and decorative techniques during an open studio style class. After the pieces are bisque fired, students will return during open studio time to apply a clear glaze before the final firing.
Instructor Susan Keller has worked in ceramics for more than 25 years, creating handbuilt functional wares including lighting, dinnerware, jewelry, tiles, and wall pieces. Her work has been featured in galleries, public installations, art fairs, ceramic publications, and retail partnerships. Susan’s work is known for its rich surface design, use of color, and botanical imagery, often combining black stoneware with porcelain interiors.
Workshop Schedule
Friday, June 13 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Handbuilding the luminaria
Saturday, June 14 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Surface design & open studio time
Friday, June 20 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Open studio clear glazing session
Finished pieces will be glaze fired and ready for pickup after the final firing.
