🌀 Masks are required inside the studio for communal safety 🌀
To help keep our space safe, masks (N95 or KN95) are required for all workshops. Please bring your own—extras are available at the studio. Masks protect against airborne illness as well as clay and glaze dust.
Our property is ADA accessible, with a ramp available for the bathroom (3 steps). On-site parking and other accommodations are available—email us with any needs: info@sooki.studio.
Our sliding scale is a tool for social equity, designed to make ceramics education accessible. Please choose the tier that fits your financial situation—this trust-based system helps us support more people.
The higher tiers reflect the full cost and subsidize lower tiers. Limited spots are available at each level. We also offer interest-free payment plans.
Questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you.
Workshops are non-refundable, but you may transfer your spot to someone else—just let us know in advance.
Students receive open studio access during their workshop, Thursday–Monday from 11am to 8pm, plus a 10% discount at Sooki Supply.
Description
For Ages 13-17 - Join for an Introduction to Ceramics with artist and educator, Ako Castuera! In this class, students will learn foundational techniques to handbuilding ceramics in an explorative, playful and creative learning environment.
We will begin this class by processing local clay found in the nearby foothills. We'll talk about how to identify clay, sift to remove natural fibers, dry, rehydrate and wedge it to become a workable material to build with.
Students are welcome to make anything they would like throughout the duration of the workshop and will learn pinch pots, coil building, slab building, surface decoration and glazing. Potential pieces to be made… functional objects, creatures, musical instruments, masks, miniatures, wall hangings, sculptures, things from your dreams, real or imagined, the sky's the limit.
All tools and materials are included. All pieces will be fired and ready to be displayed in the culmination exhibition on Saturday, September 28th from 5-7pm. All pieces that are glazed will be food, microwave and dishwasher safe.
This series is made possible by a grant from the California Arts Council.
Class Details:
Taught by Ako Castuera
Free for ages 13-17
August & September for 7 sessions
Dates: August 13, 20, 27 + September 3, 10, 17, 24
Tuesdays from 4:30-6pm
Limited to 10 students
Culmination Exhibit: Saturday, September 28th from 5-7pm
Located at Sooki Studio in Frogtown, 2971 Allesandro Street, Los Angeles, 90039
Instructor
This workshop is taught by artist and educator, Ako Castuera. Ako works with clay, soil, plant and animal matter in her sculptures, exploring reciprocal exchange with the living forces generated from, converging on, and returning to soil.
She has led classes and workshops in clay and storytelling across a wide range of ages and settings, from public parks to private universities. Her work has been exhibited at museums and galleries nationally, and she is known for her work as an Emmy award winning director on the animated series, ‘City of Ghosts’, a children's television show that explores rich, often overlooked histories in Los Angeles.
Accessibility
The workshop space is ADA accessible. A bathroom is available for workshop participants that has a set of 3 stairs leading to it that is not currently ADA accessible. For any specific needs or additional questions on accessibility, please reach out.
COVID Protocol
Participants are encouraged to take at home Covid tests prior to the workshop to ensure collective safety. As we're working in a very well ventilated environment, masks are optional. If you are experiencing any Covid like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid, please stay home and get in touch.
“Hablando en Arcilla: Introducción a la Cerámica Edades 13-17”
Para edades de 13 a 17 años: ¡únase a una introducción a la cerámica con la artista y educadora Ako Castuera! En esta clase, los estudiantes aprenderán técnicas fundamentales para la construcción manual de cerámica en un entorno de aprendizaje exploratorio, lúdico y creativo.
Los estudiantes pueden hacer lo que quieran durante la duración del taller y aprenderán ollas de pellizco, construcción de bobinas, construcción de losas, decoración de superficies y vidriado. Posibles piezas a realizar... objetos funcionales, criaturas, instrumentos musicales, máscaras, miniaturas, tapices, esculturas, cosas de tus sueños, reales o imaginarios, el cielo es el límite.
Todas las herramientas y materiales están incluidos. Todas las piezas serán cocidas y listas para ser exhibidas en la exposición culminante el sábado 28 de septiembre de 5 a 7 p.m. Todas las piezas que estén esmaltadas serán aptas para alimentos, microondas y lavavajillas.
Esta serie es posible gracias a una subvención del California Arts Council.
Detalles de la clase:
Impartido por Ako Castuera
Gratis para edades de 14 a 17 años que vivan en los códigos postales: 90031, 90039, 90065
Agosto y septiembre para 8 sesiones.
Fechas: 6, 13, 20, 27 de agosto + 3, 10, 17, 24 de septiembre
Martes de 15 a 16:30 h.
Limitado a 10 estudiantes.
Exposición culminante: sábado 28 de septiembre de 5 a 7 p. m.
Ubicado en Sooki Studio en Frogtown, 2971 Allesandro Street, Los Ángeles, 90039.
Acerca de nuestro instructor
Este taller está impartido por la artista y educadora Ako Castuera. Ako trabaja con arcilla, tierra, materia vegetal y animal en sus esculturas, explorando el intercambio recíproco con las fuerzas vivas generadas, que convergen y regresan al suelo.
Ha dirigido clases y talleres de arcilla y narración de cuentos en una amplia gama de edades y entornos, desde parques públicos hasta universidades privadas. Su trabajo se ha exhibido en museos y galerías a nivel nacional, y es conocida por su trabajo como directora ganadora del premio Emmy en la serie animada "City of Ghosts", un programa de televisión para niños que explora historias ricas, a menudo pasadas por alto, en Los Ángeles.
Dress in comfortable clothing you don't mind getting a little messy. All materials we use will not stain.
We’ve got all the tools and materials covered—just bring a notebook, some water, and any favorite clay tools you can’t live without.
We’ll have all the basics ready—tools, materials, water, tea, coffee, and a few light snacks to keep you going.
Experience levels vary from workshop to workshop—peek at the description to see if it’s the right fit, or reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Yes! The studio is dog friendly. Visit Sooki Supply for a dog treat :)
Masks are required for all workshops to help keep our space safer and more accessible. You're welcome to work outside mask-free—just pop one on when coming in and out of the studio.
We bisque fire to cone 06 and glaze fire to cone 5.
Yes! You can learn more here.
No problem—you can keep working during Open Studio time after the workshop has finished. Learn more here.
It depends on the workshop—we’ll note when they’re family-friendly. You're always welcome to bring your child along.
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