The program offers intermediate to advanced students dedicated access to the Jean Mineo Ceramics Studio for up to 12 hours per week for 11 weeks. This is an advanced program for ceramicists who wish to work independently, without instruction. Members will have the opportunity to schedule one 15-minute check-in with tech staff.
Members will have exclusive use of the ceramic wheels, work space, tools, and firing services for up to 12 hours per week during the designated independent study hours.
What you need to know
Independent Study Access Hours*
(limited to Jean Mineo Studio)
- Sundays 12-3 PM (3 hours)
- Wednesdays 10 AM-1 PM (3 hours)
- Thursdays 5:30 PM-8:30 PM (3 hours)
- Fridays 11 AM – 2 PM (3 hours)
*There will be no independent study hours on days when there are no regular classes scheduled, such as holidays or school vacation days.
Supplies & Materials
Clay: Membership includes one 25-lb bag of clay. Up to 3 additional bags (75lbs, additional clay is available for purchase each term for $35/bag. Only clay purchased at the New Art Center may be used. We have a white stoneware clay body available. Participants may not bring in clay from other sources, as it may damage our kilns.
Glazes: Participants are responsible for providing their own commercially-prepared underglaze and glaze. The New Art Center will supply a clear dipping glaze for coating underglaze or lining the interior if necessary. All glazes must be on New Art’s pre-approved list of glazes. Any glazes not on the list require pre-approval from the studio manager. Members may not bring homemade glaze or colorants into the studio.
Firing Services and Fees
Firing services are provided for all projects created during the Independent Study period. Tuition includes a $50 credit towards firing costs (that’s about 11 soup bowls!). Additional firing will be charged at $.06 per cubic inch (length x width x height x &.06), which includes one bisque cone 06 & and one glaze cone 5-6.
A kiln fee of $100 will be charged for pieces that exceed 15” in any dimension.
Our studio will provide up to two firings per piece
(one bisque cone 06 and one glaze cone 5-6 ).
All work needs to be bone dry 7 days before it is needed for glazing. All work must be completed within the current semester.
Qualifications:
To qualify for Independent Study, you must have completed at least one full session of adult ceramics classes at the New Art Center. If you have never taken a class at the New Art Center, you may be considered with the approval of our Ceramics Program Manager, julie@newartcenter.org . Participants are expected to possess a solid understanding of ceramic processes and techniques, as well as an understanding of how to use materials and equipment safely. All participants should review and agree to our New Art Center Ceramics program firing guidelines and other policies.
Participants should have the ability to work with glaze, underglaze, and clay independently. We recommend that you consult with your current instructor or the ceramics staff to ensure that this program aligns with your goals and capabilities.
Tuition
$850 for up to 12 hours per week for 11 weeks. Space is limited to 15 students per term.
Jean Mineo Studio Options
Choose to come to the New Art Center for a morning, afternoon, or both.
Ceramics Independent Study
Members will have exclusive use of the ceramic wheels, work space, tools, and firing services for up to 12 hours per week during the designated independent study hours.
Independent Study Ceramics FAQs
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Q: What equipment is provided for the Independent Study?
A: The following tools and equipment are provided:
- 8 electric potter’s wheels
- 2 sinks
- Personal storage space for works in progress
- One bucket of clear dipping glaze for lining interiors or covering underglaze
- 2 kilns
- Canvas-covered worktables
- Wedging table
- Rolling pins
- Large sponges for clean-up
Q: What tools and equipment should students bring?
A: Students should bring the following supplies:
- All glazes and underglazes needed
- Small tools and equipment
- Clay recycling supplies
- Joining slip
- Molds
- Work storage boards
MEASURING & FIRING
Q: What work is subject to measuring?
A: All work going into the kiln must be measured.
Q: What does the firing fee cover?
A: The firing fee is calculated once and will cover all costs of firing, bisque, and glaze.
Q: How do you calculate the fee?
A: The amount charged is based on the size of the greenware before it goes into the kiln. The size is determined by a quick measure of the three dimensions, which are multiplied to calculate the volume in cubic inches. The fee is $.06 per cubic inch. Any pieces that exceed 15 inches in any dimension will be charged an additional kiln fee of $100 per piece. Our kilns cannot accommodate every size of work, so if you’re thinking of working larger, please check with the tech in advance.
Q: Isn’t measuring the piece going to be complicated?
A: Not at all. There is a measuring box located in the studio, which will make it simple and fast.
Q: I make a lot of stuff; isn’t this going to get expensive?
A: The membership includes $50 worth of initial firing, equal to approximately 11 soup-sized bowls. In order to manage the cost of student production, New Art shares the expense of any additional firing based on size and volume.
Q: When do we pay?
A: Please be ready to pay as you would for clay when you place your work on the greenware shelves. Students can pay with a personal check or by filling out a credit card form in the Main Office. Place your ticket in your piece.
Q: Can I just pay my firing fees later?
A: Firing fees are due when you leave your work to be fired. We cannot render a service without advance payment.
Q: If my piece breaks during firing, do I still have to pay?
A: If your piece breaks due to the fault of another’s work or an accident, we will give you a firing fee credit. If your piece breaks in firing, otherwise, yes, you will still be charged. Work must be structurally sound to be fired. Be mindful of what you save to fire; you might want to keep your best pieces.
Q: What if my piece measures to the 1/2 of an inch?
A: We round up the Height (H) to the next whole inch and round down the Width (W) and Depth (D). Due to kiln loading requirements, there will be a 3” minimum measurement.
Q: Can you give some measurement examples?
A: Sure. Let’s consider a bowl measuring 3 ‘ tall, by 5 “ wide
Measuring for cubic inches is 5X5X3, that’s 75 cubic inches. 75 Cubic inches x.0.6 cents =$ 4.50. Remember, you are getting a credit for the first $50.00.
Q: Does the New Art Center have any other firing policies?
A: Any and all firing policies currently in place at the New Art Center apply to the independent study program as well.
Q: What if it snows? Are there makeup classes for independent study?
A: There are no make-up classes for independent study.
If you have additional questions, please contact our front office at 617-964-3424.