Instructors: Dr. Debra McCormack and Irene Grissom
Saturdays, July 8th-August 12, 2023
2:00PM - 4:00PM - 6-Session Class
Polymer clay is a material with endless possibilities. In these classes, students will learn polymer clay skills and techniques from locally known artists. Whether you are new to trying polymer clay or have tried it before, there is plenty to learn and plenty of fun to be had in this class series! After an introductory discussion on polymer clay on the first day of class, July 8th, students can explore and express their talent by choosing to learn how to create beautiful jewelry or to learn the process of figurative sculpting.
These classes are taught by local artists Irene Grissom and Dr. Debra McCormack.
Meet Your Instructors:
Dr. Debra McCormack is a polymer clay figurative artist and has won multiple awards for her work. Her goal is to share projects and tips and tricks, according to interest and talent levels, within her class. Her goal is for each student to complete many figurative projects and a fully finished and unique gnome at the conclusion of this class.
Irene Grissom is a polymer clay, jewelry, and watercolor artist who has earned numerous awards throughout Southern Colorado. She has artwork and jewelry on display at Steel City Art Works and has served in several leadership offices with the Pueblo Art Guild and the Southern Colorado Watercolor Society.
Figure Building Syllabus:
In this introductory class, students can expect to make, many figurative projects and a fully finished and unique gnome.
- Day 1: Introductions and Flower Pots
- Day 2: Animals
- Day 3: Nose, Lips, Eyes, Ears
- Day 4: Head for Gnome
- Day 5: Hands and Feet for Gnome
- Day 6: Armature, Dressing, and Final Touches on Gnome
Jewelry Polymer Class Syllabus:
In this introductory class, students can expect to make, one to two bracelets, four pendants, and 4 pairs of earrings.
- Day 1: Introductions and Earrings
- Class discussion and selection of figure building track or jewelry track. Those who select jewelry will begin with introductions to the instructor, and discussion about the projects the class will be making for the next 6 weeks. As the group talks, the instructor will give each student a small piece of clay to manipulate with their hands and gain a familiarity with the material. The first project will be earrings; through this project students will learn about conditioning the clay, how to roll it out, and how to cut it. After baking, students will finish the clay and assemble their earrings. Students will leave class this day with a pair of earrings.
- Day 2: Watercolor Cane Sheet
- Students will make a pendant and earrings.
- Day 3: Color Blending Translucent Clay
- Students will be taught to create new colors with Alcohol Ink, translucent clay, and gold leaf. The result will give a feeling of depth to the finished project. Students will make bracelets.
- Day 4: Silk-screening Clay
- Students will be taught to silk-screen on clay. Students will make pendants and earrings with a southwest design.
- Day 5: Waste-not, Want-not
- The unused clay from previous projects along with new clay will be used to design pendants, earrings, or bracelets. Students will be free to create ideas of their own as well. Instructor will provide guidance and support.
- Day 6: Clay Cane
- This is a more complex technique. Clay is laid out in long strips to form a long cube, then is sliced into sheets to reveal the pattern formed. The sheets are then rolled out to form an interesting pattern. Learning this technique is optional; students have the option to learn this technique, or repeat a previous project that they would like to practice and perfect.
Please note that by enrolling in this class, you understand that the Arts Center's staff and/or Photographer-in-Residence may stop by to photograph the class for educational, marketing, and promotion purposes. By enrolling in this class you understand that if you wish to not be included in photographs, you are asked to alert your instructor and/or the Arts Center of your wishes and your wishes will be respected. A full copy of the Arts Center's Photo Release Policy can be provided anytime upon request and will also be provided in the classroom. Please let us know if you have any concerns.