JDCAC Ceramics Studio
Who We Are
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) Ceramics studio is a creative space with many artistic and educational opportunities for the community. The studio offers a wide variety of ceramic classes for the absolute beginner as well as experienced potters. The JDCAC Ceramics Studio is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself or your children to the creative possibilities of clay!
Independent studio memberships are also available pending approval from the studio coordinator or by taking two full eight week courses. Our studio is equipped with professional pottery throwing wheels, a stainless steel extruder, a slab roller, multiple hand mixed glazes, commercial-grade firing kilns, and pug mills. Our studio space serves the artistic needs of the community, providing residents with the creativity, inspiration, and encouragement to create ceramic works. The studio is designed so that individuals may work in a relaxed environment where ingenuity soars.
Classes
Our instructors offer a selection of top-notch classes that range in skill level and age. Below is a list of ceramics classes coming this summer! Please view the Parks and Recreation program brochure for more detailed information on the many classes Parks and Recreation offers. Current Calendar
CERAMICS INDEPENDENT STUDIO FOR ADULTS
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and pottery and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements (two full ceramics classes and completion on the Pre-IS courss) may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is located at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in out studio which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels. A selection of clay will be available for purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be purchase through MyRec. All Independent Studio memberships will be required to sign into the studio each day, assist in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. $80 per quarter.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | MTWRF | 9/1 - 12/31 | 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334)501-2944 • edombrowski@auburnal.gov
PRE-INDEPENDENT STUDIO
Are you interested in joining Independent Studio? Taking this course is required before joining. This course will guide you through studio policies, procedures, idea building, troubleshooting, and kiln/glaze knowledge needed to explore our state-of-the-art studio on your own. Prerequisite: completion of two studio classes. (No formal class 6/23 & 30) $70/participant + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Dates(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 6/2 - 7/14 | 5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334) 501 - 2944 • edombrowski@auburnal.gov
FOCUSED WHEEL THROWING - PLATES AND PASTA BOWLS
Join us as we focus on throwing plates and pasta bowls on the wheel! We'll explore forming a variety of plates sizes and functional bowl shapes. No experience is required, though some background may help you reach desired results. Students are encouraged to use the studio outside of class for extra practice (studio hours posted on the door). No makeup sessions will be offered due to flexible studio access. $125 + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | R | 10/9 - 11/1 | 5:40 p.m - 7:40 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 702 - 6140 • mona_bnice2024@yahoo.com
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE CERAMIC LESSONS
Enjoy personalized ceramic instruction with private or semi-private, lessons tailored to your interests. Learn wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and decorating techniques to create unique clay items. Open, to all skill levels-no experience needed! Submit a request from at: auburnalabama.org/parks/register to schedule and register. $35/hour or $50/hour + $15 materials fee (per person) per two-hour session.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7+ | By request | 6/2 - 8/29 | By-appointment | JDCAC |
Contact: Romona Brisco • (334) 703-6140 • mona_bnice2024@yahoo.com
HAND BUILDING: PLATES AND BOWLS USING MOLDS
Join us to create plates and bowls using a variety of molds and templates! Whether sculptural or functional, bring your ideas to life. We'll focus on slab construction, with additional techniques like pinch pots and coiling discussed as needed. Surface decoration and layered glaze techniques will also be covered. No experience is necessary. Some outside work may be required. No makeup sessions offered, but some studio access is available (hours posted on studio door). $125 + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | R | 9/4 - 10/2 | 5:40 p.m - 7:40 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Ramona Brisco• (334) 703-6140 • mona_bnice2024@yahoo.com
SCULPTING- HALLOWEEN FACE OFF
Come join me as we sculpt a Halloween mask, small head bust, pumpkin, or your item of choice. As time permits, we will create one or more of these sculptures using slabs, molds, and/or armatures. Some outside work may be required. No experience necessary. No makeup work will be given as studio access is available outside of class (hours will be posted on studio door). $125 + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ | T | 9/2 - 9/30 | 5:40 p.m - 7:40 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Ramona Brisco• (334) 703-6140 • mona_bnice2024@yahoo.com
WHEEL-THROWING POTTERY CLUB FOR "TWEENS" & TEENS
Young creatives are invited to bring their curiosity and a playful spirit as we sling some mud on the wheel! This supportive, small-group session covers basic wheel-throwing technique and foundational vocabulary. In each meeting we’ll explore new skills, so kindly make certain that your child can attend all six sessions before enrolling, as full refunds are not possible after June 1. $108/participant + $25 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-17 | W | 10/29 - 12/3 | 4 pm - 6:30 pm | JDCAC |
Contact: Annika Lee • (334-663-1749) • AnnikaLeePottery@outlook.com
WHEEL-THROWING POTTERY CLUB FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
Young creatives are invited to bring their curiosity and a playful spirit as we sling some mud on the wheel! This supportive, small-group session covers basic wheel-throwing technique and foundational vocabulary. In each meeting we’ll explore new skills, so kindly make certain that your child can attend all six sessions before enrolling, as full refunds are not possible after June 1. $108/participant + $25 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-17 | W | 9/3 - 10/8 | 10 a.m - 12:30 p.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Annika Lee • (334-663-1749) • AnnikaLeePottery@outlook.com
ADULT MIXED-LEVEL WHEEL THROWN POTTERY CLUB
Find your center! Make your mark! Whether it’s your first time around or you’re dusting off old skills, join a supportive circle in which to create with clay on the pottery wheel! This course explores beginner and intermediate techniques offering guided practice, peer coaching and the inspiration and camaraderie that comes with a seat at the circle. $150/participant + $25 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | T | 10/28 - 12/16 | 5:30 p.m - 8 p.m | JDCAC |
| 18+ | T | 9/2 - 10/21 | 5:30 p.m - 8 p.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Annika Lee • (334-663-1749) • AnnikaLeePottery@outlook.com
MAKE YOUR OWN CERAMICS NATIVITY WITH MARIA
Get festive and creative by making your own ceramic Nativity set! This fun, hands-on class is perfect for beginners and experienced students interested in hand-building techniques. You’ll design and decorate a 6- to 8-piece Nativity set just in time to enjoy during the holidays. No prior ceramic experience is needed. Clay, glazes, firing costs, and essential tools are included in the materials fee. Come create a meaningful holiday keepsake! $65 + $25 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 + | M | 11/3, 11/17 | 6 p.m - 8 p.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad • (334) 663-8292 • lujanauad@gmail.com
HAND BUILDING AND SURFACE DECORATION TECHNIQUES WITH MARIA
Curious about pottery? Join hand building and surface decoration techniques. This class, for beginners and advanced students will explore hand building by building plates, serving dishes, cups, planters, etc. In addition to creating one-of-a-kind hand building work, students will also enjoy learning various surface decoration techniques to add. $150 + $50 materials fee
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 9/8 - 10/27 | 6 p.m - 8 p.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad • (334) 663-8292 • lujanauad@gmail.com
THERAPEUTIC CLAY CLUB
This club meets the first Thursday of every month at JDCAC. We will meet September 4, October 2, and November 6 and then we will have a gallery showing at the end, on December 11th. In September we will make a leaf imprint on clay; in October we will make textured bowls; and in November we will make Christmas ornaments or cookie plates. $15 payable to City of Auburn. For Therapeutic Program Participants. $15/ participant.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13+ | R | 9/4, 10/2, 11/6 | 5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Robin • rgoverrm@yahoo.com
HOLIDAY ADVENTURES IN CLAY
Students will learn to create wall-hanging figures, starting with a Santa demo but encouraged to personalize it—an angel, a loved one, or a favorite character. We’ll also make bells and explore silk screening on ornaments and serving pieces. This 8-class session includes breaks for holidays, with the final two classes in January focused on Valentine’s Day items. (No class: 12/3, 12/10, 12/24, 12/31.) Come get creative through the seasons! $150/participant + $38 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 10/29 – 1/14 | 10a.m - 12:30p.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Jacqueline McDonough • (770) 715-1741 • ladylovesgrits@hotmail.com
ARTISTS' STYLE IN CLAY- HANDBUILDING FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
By making Van Gogh Sunflowers, Haring Action Tiles, and Dali Melted Clocks you will learn and refine handbuilding techniques to create your own clay interpretations of some well-known art works. During the class you will create and glaze your projects, and the pieces will be fired in the studio kilns. Parents, please register your child only if they are able to attend all scheduled classes. $100/participant + $25 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-9 | R | 9/25 - 10/30 | 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m | JDCAC |
Contact: Amy Kaiser • (334) 821-0916 • amyekaiser@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 9, a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please note that after the quarter has begun, hours may change. An updated calendar will be available upon request after the start of the quarter.
Independent Studio
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering.
The Ceramics Studio is located inside the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in our studio, which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels.
A selection of clay will be available to purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be bought through MyRec. All Independent Studio members will be required to sign into the studio each day, aid in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. Price is $80 per quarter.
To purchase a ceramic transfer please visit the studio prior to purchasing to see a current list of designs available.
Any person interested interested in becoming an independent studio member must meet one of the following three criteria:
- Taken a minimum of two classes at the Jan Dempsey Ceramics Studio within the past two calendar years. Only classes that are 7 weeks or longer count towards independent membership.
- Completed 16 hours of private lessons with a studio instructor.
- Have comparable professional experience or completed a ceramics degree in the last five years.
If the above requirements are met, an interview and studio tour can be scheduled with the studio director to decide independent membership status. Once given permission by the studio director, members can register for independent membership. Members who need assistance registering can visit the Harris Center at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. Examples of work and experience must be presented.
For more information about the Ceramics Studio or the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at edombrowski@auburnal.gov or by calling 334-501-2944