Making Changes and Winter School 2024
What is Making Changes?
For those who would like to become full-time makers or to set up their own studio, and those who have been thinking about a change in their lives with a view to being more creative this course is for you! We will help you decide whether you are ready.
If you are looking for more business skills, learning to teach pottery and considering becoming a professional potter, then the Winter School is for you.
The next Winter School programme will start in September 2024 with two weekends dedicated to making techniques and studio management, but also examining the main issues around setting up in business. If you get a lot out of this course and would like to progress to the full Winter School, there will be two more weekends to take part in.
If you are an experienced potter, you can register for the Winter School programme.
What will I do in the Winter School programme?
This is the only well rounded ceramics training programme of its kind in Ireland, combining making, teaching and business development skills training, and including work experience. Our objective is to bring participants to a point where they are able to run their own pottery/craft businesses based on making and/or teaching.
I’ve introduced the Making Changes course because there are several people registering for the full programme who are not yet sure they are ready to work through it. It means you can register for two weekends and then decide on whether to keep going for the full 4-weekend programme.
Who is it suitable for?
Making Changes is ideal for you if:
You’re a hobby potter and would like to set up your own studio
You have arts training but have not run your own business and you’d like to take your making further
You have been working in another sector and would like a life change
You’re trying to find a more creative work/life balance
Previous experience in pottery is not required.
The Winter School is open to those who have taken part in Making Changes or those who are already planning/developing a ceramics business idea and would like support in areas of business management. It is also suitable for those who would like to teach ceramics.
Who is it taught by?
Adrian Wistreich, founder of Kinsale Pottery and Arts Centre, has had over 20 years’ experience in setting up and running Ireland’s largest privately owned craft teaching centre, making and selling his own ceramics work, through retailers, direct to consumers and through gallery exhibitions. Prior to Kinsale Pottery, Adrian held senior positions in several companies, and spent seven years running his own research publishing company which employed 40 people.
How will it work?
This course will comprise four weekends - two for Making Changes and two for Winter School.
Making Changes
2024: Sept 28-29th and Oct 26-27th Price €500 inc VatWinter School
2024: Nov 16-17th and Dec 7-8th Price €500 inc Vat
How much does it cost?
The full fees for the four weekends are €1,000pp inc Vat, – €250 deposit (which covers your first weekend) on registration and then €250 for the each of the remaining three weekends, payable at the previous weekend. This payment plan is designed to spread the cost while making sure you don’t drop out of any of the weekends. If you decide at the second Making Changes weekend not to progress to the full winter school, then you will only pay the first two.
What is included?
All teaching sessions
One-to-one business mentoring sessions.
All materials associated with taught projects
Firings, glazes, tools
Notes on key course content
Tea/coffee
Not included
Accommodation
Meals
Materials for any projects not included in the taught sessions – if you wish to make pieces in the studio between classes, these will be charged by weight
Course content
Making Changes:
Throwing for beginners , turning, handle-making
Coiling
Slab plaque making and Slab building 3D work
Pinch pebble sculpting
Working with colouring porcelain paper clay
Sgrafitto, inlay, paper resist
Burnishing and smoke firing
Using oxides and underglazes
Raku glazing and firing/raku kiln building (option)
Design and layout for your pottery studio
Kiln operation and repair
Recycling
Tools and other equipment
Materials purchase and storage
Options for developing your pottery into a business
Winter School
Throwing developers
Coloured porcelain paper clay
Glaze making, glazing, on-glaze enamel
Teaching all key making techniques
Objectives setting and preparing a simple business plan
Administrative work in setting up the business
Pricing
Marketing and PR
Online trading
Administering the business
Wholesaling, retailing, galleries
Display, design, packaging and branding
Researching your market
Customer relationship management
How do I register?
This is a very unique opportunity to receive training and mentoring by a successful artist and businessman. You will learn a wide range of ceramics techniques and how to teach these to others. The skills you will learn here will be invaluable if you are hoping to set up and run a business in any sector of the arts. Don’t miss out, apply now! In order that this course is not subject to Vat, it is essential that you apply for a place leading to potential employment in the sector - ie that the course is vocational.
There are limited places on this course, and you should apply initially by email to adrianwistreich@gmail.com. Please outline your experience, if any, and how you envisage using the learnings from this programme. To pay your €250 deposit for the Making Changes course, click here: