New
SCC Heritage Arts Institute to Offer Pottery Courses
Pottery is an art and a craft with a history almost
as old as mankind.
In March local potter Joe Frank McKee will teach courses
in two pottery methods, Basic Wheel and Basic Handbuilding.
Both courses are offered through Southwestern Community
College's new Heritage Arts Institute.
Potter, Joe Frank McKee
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Basic
Handbuilding is scheduled Tuesdays and Thursday from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 21 through May 9. Through this
class, participants will explore traditional handbuilding
techniques including pinching, coil and slab building
to complete projects in both functional and sculptural
objects. The class will also cover slip decorations
and custom-mixed glazes for their work.
Basic Wheel is set for Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to
9 p.m., March 21 through June 29. This course is designed
for the beginner and intermediate potter and will ground
students in the basics of a well-thrown pot. Students
will complete several wheel thrown projects including
cylinders, mugs, bowls, pitchers and goblets. The class
will explore both slip decoration and custom-mixed glazes
to complete projects.
According to an SCC representative, McKee possesses
strong credentials to serve as pottery instructor for
the new program.
"Joe Frank has a real passion for his work and
is a natural teacher who wants to share his love for
his art," Hank Shuler, director of Extension Education:
Business and Industry Training. "Like our instructor
in basketry, Debra Mills, he is excited about the Heritage
Arts Institute and wants to be a major part of its success."
A professional potter for the past 16 years, McKee is
co-owner of Treehouse Pottery in Dillsboro. He holds
both a BA and an MA in fine arts and produces pottery
using a wide range of processes including raku, horsehair,
handbuilt and wheel.
"The concept of my functional work deals with landscapes
and abstract imagery. My procedure of creativity starts
with a freshly thrown pot. A lot of my work utilizes
brushing on layers of glazes over the initial glaze
to create abstract imagery from nature."
The cost for each course is $60, plus a materials fee
of approximately $50. Each class earns 9.0 CEUs. To
register or for more information, call any SCC center.
Center numbers include: Jackson and Cashiers centers,
828.586.4091 (toll free - 828.447.4091); Cherokee Center,
828.497.7233; Macon Center, 828.369.7331; Swain Center,
828.488.6413.
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