The Montclair Art Museum Opens Ceramics Studio

Nov. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- The ceramics studio—made possible by a generous donation from the Vance Wall Foundation—is the only resource of its kind in New Jersey offered at a museum and adds significantly to the range of courses that MAM’s Yard School of Art provides.

All equipment and supplies needed to create pottery will be available, including six potter’s wheels and two kilns; glazes, clay, and other materials will be included in tuition. Classes will be offered year round at all levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced) and to all ages (kids, teens, adults). Classes will be kept small—10-12 students maximum—to ensure individual attention, and will be taught by experienced faculty who are working artists. To make room for the studio, MAM completely renovated the lower level of its administration building.

Lora Urbanelli, director of the Montclair Art Museum, said: “The addition of the ceramics studio considerably expands what we’re able to offer the community, in terms of both the curriculum of our Yard School of Art and all our education programming. And what also makes it special is that it’s housed in a museum that has a fine collection of Native American pottery, from which students can draw inspiration. It’s been a long-held dream by the Museum—especially by our very dedicated art school faculty—and by many of our friends in the community to build a facility like this, and we’re deeply grateful to the Vance Wall Foundation for recognizing its value and supporting this dream.”

Ceramics classes offered this winter cover a variety of topics, from wheel throwing and hand building to glazing techniques and surface decoration to glass fusing. Students will create both functional and decorative objects, such as plates, bowls, vases, cups, and more. All art classes for winter session begin the week of January 10; members’ priority registration runs Monday, November 29 – Sunday, December 5, and open registration begins Monday, December 6. Space is limited and students are advised to register early. Course descriptions, fees, and more information are available online at http://www.montclairartmuseum.org or by calling the MAM Yard School of Art at 973-259-5139.

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The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) presents exhibitions and programs that reflect its collection of historic and contemporary American and Native American art. MAM's Yard School of Art offers classes for people of all ages.