2025 Workshops
Medalta’s Intensive Adult Workshops are an opportunity to strengthen your practice and develop a knowledge base around a specific area within ceramics. These workshops are led by established experts in their chosen field and offer an immersive hands-on experience within a collaborative studio environment.
We offer a range of opportunities to appeal to a wide-variety of interests. Our Adult Workshops pursue contemporary interventions in ceramics, new technologies, and methods with mentors who are invested in their areas of research.
Why Choose Our Adult Workshops?
- Expert guidance from experienced mentors
- Explore and learn advanced contemporary techniques
- 24-hour studio access for the duration of the workshop
- Immersive experience in the Historic Clay District.
The World of Nerikomi: Throwing and Hand Building with Coloured Clay
Marina Lopez + Etty Anderson
This workshop explores contemporary approaches to nerikomi and agate ware techniques, focusing on patterned wheel throwing, jigsaw slab assembly, and sustainable use of waste materials. Led by Etty Anderson and Marina Lespérance Lopez, participants will create projects that merge these techniques while learning crack management throughout the process. Best suited for those comfortable with wheel throwing, the workshop accommodates all skill levels, including beginners.
Groundlings 10-Day Master Class
with Shary Boyle
Discover your unique ceramic voice in this participant-led, 10-day intensive workshop guided by internationally renowned artist Shary Boyle. Designed for artists with medium to advanced ceramic skills, this course offers a supportive space to hone techniques, test new approaches, and engage in collective learning. Through hands-on exploration, critiques, and personalized feedback, participants will deepen their practice and creative purpose.
Making Plaster Moulds for Soft Objects and Inflatables
with Jocelyn Reid
Learn the art of plaster mould making for slip casting in this hands-on workshop, open to all experience levels. From mixing and pouring techniques to casting soft or complex objects, you'll gain practical skills and create finished moulds. Bring your own objects and projects to explore as we dive into active learning, demonstrations, and troubleshooting tailored to your needs.
Thinking with Models
with Zimra Beiner
This workshop explores the use of models, templates, and tests as tools for preparation and experimentation in ceramic art. Participants will learn techniques like coil building, slab building with tar paper templates, and working solid to develop pottery or sculptural forms. Throughout this workshop participants will learn practical skills to conceptualize projects from beginning to end, tactile methods on how to scale up their work, and explore the realities of trouble shooting ceramic forms. Ideal for all skill levels, this class equips participants with methods to translate ideas into larger-scale works.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund (minus a $25 administration fee) will be issued if you cancel by the registration deadline. For cancellations after the registration deadline or no-shows, we will be unable to issue any refund. If you need to cancel due to medical reasons (documentation required), you will receive a partial refund.
Post-Secondary Student Discount
Current post secondary students can receive 25% off the workshop fee ONLY. Maximum of two students per workshop with valid proof of current student ID.
To receive the discount, choose one of the following:
Purchase the workshop online and then email reception@medalta.org with a photo of your current student ID. We will then issue a refund for the difference.
OR
2. Email a photo of your current ID to reception@medalta.org. We will email you promo code to apply the discount online at check out.
For more information contact Kasia Sosnowksi at residencies@medalta.org.
The Friends of Medalta Society is a not-for-profit charitable organization. Programs are supported by private and corporate donations and municipal, provincial and federal grants. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta.
