The Elements and Principles of Design in Clay
With Nick DeVries
June 13 - 18, 2027
In this workshop, Nick DeVries will teach a variety of making approaches, largely stemming from the wheel, while immersing participants in the exploration and understanding of design concepts. Design is often touched on in the normal flow of any clay class. We might talk about color, form, or the line of a spout, but by focusing intentionally on these concepts, participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to apply these design tools within their own making practices.
Nick will guide participants through discussions and examples of design concepts. Through demonstrations and hands-on making, he will explain how he approaches both making and design decisions in his own process—from throwing a pot to the considerations that come into play during the trimming and finishing stages.
Conversations around color and glazing will also be included, but the primary focus of the workshop will be making, design, and finishing work. Participants will be able to bisque fire any work that is dry by the end of the day Wednesday and take their finished pieces home.
Materials To Bring
- Favorite wheel-throwing and trimming tools
- Sketchbook and drawing/writing materials
- Any favorite specialty tools participants would like to use
Materials Provided & Studio Firing
Each participant will receive one 25 lb bag of ^6-10 stoneware clay. A bisque firing will take place midweek. Basic studio tools and materials are provided, and participants will have 24-hour access to the studio throughout the workshop.
Please bring packing materials to safely transport any greenware and bisqueware. Not all pieces made during the workshop will be dry enough to be fired.
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Schedule:
Sunday
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Introductions, Workshop Overview & Get Settled
Monday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Tuesday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Wednesday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- Evening: Chef’s Night Off — explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
- Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Thursday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Friday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00–10:30 AM: Final Making & Refining
- 10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Group Critique, Discussion & Workshop Wrap-Up
- 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends
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View frequently asked questions here!
Instructor
Nick DeVries has been working in ceramics for the past 19 years. He studied at St John’s University where, in 2001, he finished a Bachelor’s Degree in Art, with a concentration in painting and ceramics. Since his college years Nick has worked as a production potter for a Minneapolis bases pottery, taught courses at the Edina Art Center and Northern Clay Center, and has pursued his own studio ceramic work. He exhibits his work in galleries nationally. Currently he lives in Brainerd MN where he works full time as a ceramic artist. DeVries is represented by ceramics galleries nationally and…
Learn more about Nick DeVries