The field of ceramics has long had a tradition of in-person workshops and live demonstrations at conferences. I imagine many readers have attended at least one of these events. But have you thought about presenting your skills to other interested ceramic artists? If you have polished your ceramics skills, have developed several unique projects, and are generally an outgoing person who is not afraid to address a crowd, then one of the following options may be for you.
Local or University Workshops
Many local art centers, colleges, and universities are often searching for skilled ceramic artists to present workshops, which can range from a single day to several days and include a stipend for travel and the workshop presentation. Although you may be familiar with the instructors or professors at a local venue, consider putting together a portfolio to submit. This will present you as a professional artist with a plan. The portfolio should include a resume, an artist statement, images of your current work (professionally photographed), and an outline of the workshop you wish to present. Then, take your pitch to the next level and record a video of yourself in the studio demonstrating a project similar to what you have outlined. Next, make a list of local art centers, colleges, and universities with ceramic programs that are within driving distance, and send them your portfolio. Tip: It is always better to send your information by mail/email than it is to show up uninvited and pitch in person.
International Workshops
If travel excites you, then set your sights more afar. A number of international art centers run a continuing schedule of workshops presented by international artists. These workshops tend to be a week to two weeks in length and while artists are often invited by the venue, many will look at submissions from an artist, especially ones with professionally honed skills and strong ties to the ceramic community. In many cases, the host venue requires the workshop artist to take on the responsibility of finding 8–10 workshop registrants, collecting tuition fees from each person, and communicating directly with the art center throughout the lead-up time to the actual workshop. In exchange, the artist may receive free accommodations, meals, transportation, and a daily per diem while presenting, as well as a per-participant monetary incentive.
Online workshops were not new before the pandemic in 2020, but the concept really took off when many of us were quarantined at home. The switch from in-person to online workshops allowed for a far larger, worldwide audience to attend. Traveling with tools, clay, and bisque-fired pieces, were swapped for phones with video capabilities, microphones, well-positioned lighting, and high-speed internet connections. Artists could stage their own home studios to film themselves live allowing for low overhead and vast reach within the community.
Payment for workshop services will vary from one website host to another but include one-time payments, royalties, and per-person sign-up bonuses. A little online research into each company’s live and recorded offerings will inform you of who they are looking for, the type of workshop, the average length. The options are endless.
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The field of ceramics has long had a tradition of in-person workshops and live demonstrations at conferences. I imagine many readers have attended at least one of these events. But have you thought about presenting your skills to other interested ceramic artists? If you have polished your ceramics skills, have developed several unique projects, and are generally an outgoing person who is not afraid to address a crowd, then one of the following options may be for you.
Local or University Workshops
Many local art centers, colleges, and universities are often searching for skilled ceramic artists to present workshops, which can range from a single day to several days and include a stipend for travel and the workshop presentation. Although you may be familiar with the instructors or professors at a local venue, consider putting together a portfolio to submit. This will present you as a professional artist with a plan. The portfolio should include a resume, an artist statement, images of your current work (professionally photographed), and an outline of the workshop you wish to present. Then, take your pitch to the next level and record a video of yourself in the studio demonstrating a project similar to what you have outlined. Next, make a list of local art centers, colleges, and universities with ceramic programs that are within driving distance, and send them your portfolio. Tip: It is always better to send your information by mail/email than it is to show up uninvited and pitch in person.
International Workshops
If travel excites you, then set your sights more afar. A number of international art centers run a continuing schedule of workshops presented by international artists. These workshops tend to be a week to two weeks in length and while artists are often invited by the venue, many will look at submissions from an artist, especially ones with professionally honed skills and strong ties to the ceramic community. In many cases, the host venue requires the workshop artist to take on the responsibility of finding 8–10 workshop registrants, collecting tuition fees from each person, and communicating directly with the art center throughout the lead-up time to the actual workshop. In exchange, the artist may receive free accommodations, meals, transportation, and a daily per diem while presenting, as well as a per-participant monetary incentive.
Well-known venues include: La Meridiana Ceramics School in Tuscany, Italy (https://lameridiana.fi.it); IaRex l’Atelier: International Artists Residency Exchange in south-eastern France (www.internationalartistsresidencyexchange.com); Gaya Ceramic Arts Center in Bali, Indonesia (www.gayaceramic.com/ceramics-arts-center); among many others.
Online Workshops/Webinars
Online workshops were not new before the pandemic in 2020, but the concept really took off when many of us were quarantined at home. The switch from in-person to online workshops allowed for a far larger, worldwide audience to attend. Traveling with tools, clay, and bisque-fired pieces, were swapped for phones with video capabilities, microphones, well-positioned lighting, and high-speed internet connections. Artists could stage their own home studios to film themselves live allowing for low overhead and vast reach within the community.
The live webinar workshop continues to thrive. Workshops are often presented live, then offered on demand following the main event. Such hosts as the Ceramic Arts Network Workshop from Home series ( https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/clayflicks/clayflicks-exclusives/workshop-from-home), Frank Arts’ virtual workshop series (www.frankarts.com/virtual-workshops), and The Ceramic School’s online pottery courses (https://ceramic.school) have ongoing programs with a variety of presenters and varied topics to fit all interests.
Payment for workshop services will vary from one website host to another but include one-time payments, royalties, and per-person sign-up bonuses. A little online research into each company’s live and recorded offerings will inform you of who they are looking for, the type of workshop, the average length. The options are endless.
Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
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