Center for the Ceramic Arts

About the Mars Hill Center for the Ceramic Arts

Mars Hill Center for the Ceramic Arts (MHCCA) was established in 2018 on the campus of Mars Hill University. The mission of MHCCA is to provide no cost workshops for Mars Hill students and low cost workshops to the greater WNC community and beyond. We provide Scholarships for local school teachers and students both K-12 and Higher education.

Under the direction of Shane Mickey the Center hosts week long summer workshops by nationally renowned artists, Weekend demonstrations each semester, and an Artist in residency program.

Summer workshops offer on campus housing and meals to compliment the week long hands on workshops that are taught in the Ceramic Studios of Mars Hill University. Workshops generally include one bag of clay, any slips or glazes that may be used, and bisque firings if time allows.

Summer Workshop Series

Mars Hill University hosts its annual ceramic arts summer workshop series. The center is offering a series of 3-day workshops presented by Ceramic artists of National standing.

The first workshop is with Chris Pickett and runs Friday June 4th-6th. Chris will cover his specialized double walled hand building techniques and have exercises for participants to join in.

The next workshop is by Local Ceramic artist Michael Kline and runs June 11th-13th. Michael hails from Bakersville, NC and produces Sodium vapor glazed pots with amazing brushwork and Stamp work. He will demonstrate brushwork and stamping techniques. Participants will have a chance to make stamps Friday evening that they can take home. Brushwork exercises will also take place.

The third workshop in the Series will be presented by Liz Summerfield and runs June 18-20th. This workshop intends to demystify working with soft slabs and offers the essential components to creating unique slab-built pots. Students will be introduced to the techniques of working with earthenware clay slabs and paper patterns.

The Final workshop, “Zoological vessels” is with Katie Maloney and takes place June 25th-27th. In this hands-on workshop we’ll explore a sculptural approach to combining animal forms with functional pottery. Using techniques of throwing and hand building, students will create vessels then incorporate animal figures by sculpting, carving, and alteration.

For more information about the workshops and how to register, contact Professor Shane Mickey at dmickey@mhu.edu