Free Ceramics Course 11/10/23 9:30am-4pm

We are delighted to share with you that we have secured funding from Gateshead Council's UKSPF Fund to deliver a free ten-week ceramics course to residents in Gateshead. 

Our ceramics course is what we are best known for here at MBC Arts Wellbeing – combining friendly, expert tutors with practical activities getting you hands-on with specialist clay, glazes, tools and techniques. During this Christmas inspired ceramics course you will discover how to apply a range of ceramic sculpting, joining and building techniques to create a variety of unique artworks you can take home with you at the end of the course and be proud of. You’ll start by learning rolling, cutting and mark-making, creating your very own bespoke ceramic tiles and coasters. Then you will try your hand at clay pinching techniques, sculpting a trinket bowl or a pot for a living succulent. You’ll learn how to create a forma, creating an inspired sculpture using sculpting techniques. Next you will get the chance to make a 2D slab-rolled decoration, such as a door number plaque. We will then build on your newly acquired knowledge by helping you to create a 3D slab-rolled item, such as a decorated plant pot or your very own handmade mug. There will also be scope on the course for you to apply a number of the techniques you have developed to create your own inspired pieces of work, including beautifully decorated ceramic Christmas puddings, table centre pieces, Santa's sleigh, festive figurines or gingerbread houses. The course also includes basic glazing techniques, giving you the chance to finish your work before our expert tutors fire it in our specialist ceramic kilns ready for you to collect at the end of the course. Throughout the sessions you will learn some of the science behind working with clay, as well as specialist terms and the basics of how a kiln works.

Important information - 

This is a free ten week course that will take place at The Arts Hub, Learning and Skills Interchange Centre, West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BH. The course will start on Wednesday 11th October from 9:30am-4pm. The course will run for ten consecutive weeks, with sessions taking place on Wednesday 11th, 18th, 25th October, Wednesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th November and Wednesday 6th and 13th December. We will also provide you with lunch during each session. 

To qualify you must - 

Be aged 16+ 

Live in Gateshead 

Be economically inactive 

Complete the full ten week course