Renowned local potter, Doug Sassi, leads this introduction through demonstrations and one-on-one teaching in clay preparation, centering, trimming, and proper use of a variety of tools. This five-day workshop, held from 9 a.m. to noon at Chestertown RiverArts’ Clay Studio in Still Pond, is appropriate for both beginners and continuing students on the wheel. In addition to basic concepts, each student will receive advice as to how to adapt their particular motor skills to create forms in their own style. Functional forms such as mugs, bowls, and vase shapes will be emphasized. Students will also learn how to make handles, spouts, and other additions to their production.
Doug Sassi has been a potter since 1962. He has a BS in Art Education and an MFA with a major in Ceramics and a minor in Art History. He has operated his pottery in Still Pond, MD, since 1978. A former teacher of ceramics and sculpture in high schools, Sassi has led many local workshops since his retirement.
You can see his work on Facebook (Doug Sassi Pottery) and on Google+. Sassi makes his own clay and glazes and works primarily on the potters’ wheel. His work is high-fired stoneware and almost entirely functional.
He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and the subsidiary of the American Crafts Council, American Crafts Enterprises. He has exhibited in prestigious craft markets such as the ACC’s Rhinebeck and Baltimore Winter Market fairs. In 1977 he was received a National Arts Foundation grant to host an apprentice for a year in his studio.
Cost for the five-day morning workshop is $150 for RiverArts members, $165 for non-members. Register now at chestertownriverarts.org. Registration deadline is June 30, 2014.
Caption: Soup and coffee mugs are beautiful representatives of Sassi’s functional pottery.
Kathleen Swink says
I have what looks like a bean pot signed SASSI St. Mary’s, PA 8/5/74 given to me as a wedding present in 1974 Is this by the same gent?