WPCC Offers Pottery Workshops

Morganton-- Western North Carolina potter Adam Mackay will offer two specialized pottery wheel throwing workshops in February and March.  Mackay will demonstrate an array of pottery making techniques and surface design concepts.  These continuing education workshops will be on Western Piedmont Community College’s (WPCC) main campus at 1001 Burkemont Avenue in the Professional Crafts Clay Studio, room H-26.

 

Mackay, whose work is shown here, will teach “Pottery Basics” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 4 through 20.  This workshop will introduce students to basic wheel throwing methods used to produce handmade bowls. The second workshop, “Pottery I,” will be taught from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 5 through 21.   Students may progress on previous wheel throwing skills or learn new ones. Upon completion, students will produce a series of wheel thrown, stoneware pottery.  Several kilns will be used to fire pottery including the College’s traditional salt kiln.  Each of the two workshops cost $50, including all clay, glazes and firing.  All evening pottery workshops are designed to accommodate working professionals.  Registration is required by the day before the first class.  To register, contact Linda Matthews, Records Technician Continuing Education, at 828-448-6133.

The professional potter received his Associate of Art Degree from WPCC. As a Professional Crafts: Clay student, Mackay was introduced to traditional Japanese firing techniques with a main focus on utility. “I find myself fully interested in how an object functions with the user and how a piece enters the private spaces and interacts in one’s home,” said Mackay.   

In 2012, Mackay received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Appalachian State University specializing in Ceramic Art.   During his undergraduate studies, Mackay continued his passion for wood firing, completing a pottery apprenticeship with well-known wood fire potter Michael Kline and assisting several wood fire potters including Courtney Martin and Michael & Naomi Hunt in Bakersville, NC.  Mackay uses the atmospheric effects of wood and the unique fire marks left on his pottery as a vehicle of expression, providing tranquility and reflection for its user. “I create functional, wheel thrown pottery to be used frequently and thoughtfully,” he shared.  “I see the use of my work as a breath of fresh air in a life full of bustling activity where a moment to reflect and rejuvenate is as important as the next task at hand.”  

For information on WPCC’s Professional Crafts program, contact Courtney Long, coordinator, at 828-448-3552 or clong@wpcc.edu.

Western Piedmont Community College enrolls approximately 4,000 students annually in pursuit of college transfer degrees, two year associate degrees and diplomas.  More than 10,000 students enroll each year in continuing education courses for professional development and personal enrichment. The College also provides programs for high school completion.  Western Piedmont received recognition for Exceptional Institutional Performance based on standards established by the North Carolina General Assembly.