Expression in Clay
With Jon Townley
July 25 - 30, 2027
During this week-long, hands-on wheel-throwing workshop, Jon Townley will demonstrate his unique throwing and altering techniques and guide students through the methods he uses to create his signature functional and decorative ceramic work.
Demonstrations will include creating expressive wheel-thrown forms with alterations that add movement and sculptural gestures, as well as using handbuilding techniques and additions to enhance forms and help develop a personal style.
Along the way, Jon will share examples of his work and discuss his designer’s approach to developing a unique creative voice. This is an exciting opportunity to spend concentrated time working alongside Jon, learning his innovative techniques and expanding your creative horizons.
Materials To Bring (In addition to your usual tool kit)
- Medium-sized throwing stick
- Fine-textured finishing sponge or Chamois
- Smooth-edged metal rib
- Sponge-on-a-stick extension
- Bat gripper, if available
- 15–20 lbs. of your preferred throwing clay (optional – we will provide 25 lbs of DSM clay)
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.
Schedule:
Sunday
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
- 6:00–7:00 PM: Studio Introductions & Workshop Orientation
- 7:00 PM–Evening: Get Settled/Open Studio
Monday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore
Tuesday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore
Wednesday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- Evening: Chef’s Night Off — Explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
- After Dinner: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore
Thursday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–4:00 PM: Studio Instruction
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Break/Free Time
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore
Friday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00–11:00 AM: Final Studio Discussion, Group Critique & Workshop Wrap-Up
- 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Clean-Up, Group Photo & Workshop Review
- 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends
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View frequently asked questions here!
Instructor
Jon began throwing pots in high school at the age of fifteen and went on to receive his BFA in ceramics from Ohio State University, where he developed an understanding of form and technique through studying the Japanese ceramics tradition. Since 2010 he has maintained his studio in Katonah, New York, developing an original body of decorative and sculptural ceramics using the techniques of throwing and altering, coil construction, innovative slab forming, and carving. Jon has taught multiple workshops and currently teaches hand building and advanced throwing classes at Clay Art Center, Port Chester, New York.
Learn more about Jon Townley