Description
Led by Ako Castuera
April 9, 23 + May 7, 21
4 sessions meeting every other Tuesday from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
In this workshop participants will be guided into an introduction to clay with artist and educator, Ako Castuera. Pinch pots, coiling and slab building are the foundational vocabulary in handbuilding, and will be approached with an emphasis on developing sensory perception and muscle memory. Clay is a body language that any body can learn to speak! This workshop will be a focused and playful learning environment grounded in exploration and letting go of expectations.
Participants are welcome to make anything they'd like, included but not limited to: functional & abstract forms, cups, plates, bowls, vases, vessels, planters, jugs, soap holders, candy jars, something to hold surprises, a replica of your pet, the list goes on.
No experience is necessary, this workshop will be suited to those who are curious about working with clay for the first time and those who haven't worked with clay for sometime and would like to create in a communal space with support and instruction.
Throughout the duration of the course, participants will be given clay to work with at home in order to practice, develop ideas and technique outside of class time. All tools and materials are included. All pieces will be fired and ready for pick up within 3 weeks of the final session. All pieces that are glazed will be food, microwave and dishwasher safe.
This workshop will take place at Sooki Studio's new location, 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.
Sliding Scale Pricing
Sliding scale pricing is a tool for social equity. We use sliding scale pricing to make ceramics education accessible and affordable.
There are three tiers for pricing, when signing up for a workshop, please pay on the scale what feels right to you and your current finances. This is a trust based system, only you will know what feels comfortable and possible.
The high end of the scale is the true cost. If you are someone who can afford to pay this, please do, as this offsets the price for others, allowing us to create more affordable offerings.
There are a set amount of spaces available per tier to ensure that the scale is balanced and workshop costs are covered. If a tier is sold out it means that all those spots have been spoken for. An interest free payment plan is available for all workshops, breaking the workshop cost down to smaller payments over a longer period of time.
We do our best to ensure workshops are accessible and affordable. We are continuously improving our pricing system, please reach out if you have any questions or ideas you'd like to share.
Cancellation Policy
Workshops are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the workshop you may transfer your spot to another person, please confirm with the studio when doing so.
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.