Sign on for a live, artist-led tutorial on experimenting with craft and design processes to create small sculptures with air-dry clay. During this fun and informal online workshop led by MAD Artist Studios resident Jen Dwyer, participants will learn and practice the coil building technique to sculpt the figure of a hand and explore the possibilities of gesture in ceramics.

MAD’s Digital Drop-ins are for participants of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Following the demonstration, participants will have time to independently work on their project and share with “neighbors” in the virtual class. 

All Digital Drop-ins are 45 minutes. Registrants will receive an email 24 hours in advance of the program with instructions for accessing the workshop on Zoom.  

SUGGESTED MATERIALS

• Air-dry clay, such as this clay from Amaco
  • Jen recommends white to best take on applied colors.
  • As long as the clay is water-based, it will work! Do not use oil-based clay such as polymer clay or Sculpey.
• Rolling pin or something to roll out the clay
• Basic clay tools, such as a metal rib, needle tool, sponge, and wooden tool
• Exacto knife
• Optional: acrylic paint, paintbrushes, cup water, paper towels

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jen Dwyer’s playful ceramic sculptures and otherworldly installations evoke dreams, fantasy, and the desire to escape to a world of one’s own creation. Through ceramics, painting, and installation, Dwyer creates a uniquely powerful, caring, and intimate feminine world, underscored by the artist’s study of Paleolithic talismans, the decadent Rococo aesthetic, and contemporary girlhood culture. Dwyer earned her MFA in Ceramics from the University of Notre Dame and her BFA from the University of Washington. She has shown locally and internationally. Recent exhibitions include a solo booth at Spring/Break Art Fair in New York City, Maxon Mills Gallery in Wassaic, and GAA Gallery in Provincetown.