Description

This workshop explores the clay medium as a record of human experience coming out of the Old World and into the New World. Material culture and the decorative arts play an important role as these everyday objects tell us about the people, places, and events that forged our nation, as we commemorate its 250th anniversary. Kilian will lead participants in exploring ceramic technology that shapes and decorates pots reflecting cultural preferences and iconography. Themes of culture and social needs are displayed in the pots of the 17th to 19th centuries. 

Through his clay demonstration, Kilian will use 21st-century narratives to provide a provocative lens for interpreting antique pottery. This segment shows an intimate context for how the past era affects studio pottery today. 

Workshop Program: 

DAY 01 - (June 12 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm) • In this special program, artist Thomas Kilian will discuss his practice as a studio potter whose art is moulded by the fields of contemporary art, historical archeology, and studio ceramics in early America by its strong commentary, historical depth, and technological virtuosity. Kilian gives dynamic relevance to the legacy of ceramics in America's New Nation era as a form of social expression and a vessel for cultural unity. 

DAY 02 - (June 13 from 1pm - 4pm) • Kilian will demonstrate his Americana stoneware, including decorative heritage and revival methods, as a front-runner in the early American pottery revival. This includes making a ring-jug and showing decorative techniques such as slipware, sgraffito, and cobalt transfers. 

MATERIALS: 

Pen, paper, and discovery pamphlet included

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Kilian is an acclaimed functional potter and dedicated ceramic artist, known for his mastery of cradting unique glazes and clays from scratch.

His exceptional skill has led to significant recognition, including a commission for the definitive heritage pottery collection by North Carolina's Cultural Resources. He is also a respected authority on Early American Ceramics, regularly serving as an interpreter and instructor for Poplar Forest, a commemorative partner of VA250, and teaching workshops in Williamsburg, VA.

Kilian operates a fully-equipped studio in Chatham, VA and runs a kiln repair business. He brings this deep, practical and historical expertise to every lesson. 

Cancellation Policy:

· Cancellations made 1 week or more in advance of the class date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the class will not be refunded.

o Students will have the option to transfer registration to another class in place of receiving a refund.

o Special consideration will be given to cancellations due to health-related issues and family emergencies.

· If you plan miss a session of class, please inform your instructor, or email our Program Coordinator, Lauren Hood, at L.hood@bowercenter.org

o There will be no refunds or discounts given for missed classes.