A four-week clay skill-building workshop with Lesley Black-Vogel

Ceramic tiles are one of the most versatile and rewarding projects you can make in clay — and in this four-week workshop, studio member and ceramic artist Lesley Black-Vogel will show you why. From designing and building your tiles to glazing and finishing them, you'll develop a set of skills and techniques that you can return to again and again in your own practice.

Over four sessions you'll learn best practices for tile making and explore a variety of surface design techniques and methods for applying glazes, underglazes, and engobes to achieve beautiful, unique results. Each student receives 12.5 lbs of clay to experiment with throughout the series. The final session of the series is dedicated to assembling your finished tiles into a mirror, picture frame, or decorative wall hanging of your choice — a beautiful and functional piece to take home or give as a gift!

This is a small class with a maximum of 8 students, with plenty of room for personal exploration and individual guidance from Lesley throughout the series. Appropriate for beginners as well as those with prior ceramic experience.

Instructor: Lesley Black-Vogel

Dates: Tuesdays, October 20, 27, November 3 & 10

Time: Two session times to choose from:

• Afternoon: 2:30pm – 4:30pm

• Evening: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: Main Street Studio, 786 Charlton Road, Charlton NY 12019

Workshop Cost: $235 non-members / $211.50 members
Includes clay, project materials, and kiln firings

Members receive a 10% discount — use your discount code at checkout! Not a member yet? Sign up here and receive your discount code!

About Lesley Black-Vogel:

Lesley Black-Vogel grew up immersed in New York City's rich culture and artistic life, and has been drawn to creative practice her entire life. A 2009 trip to Tanzania — where she observed women creating traditional ceramic vessels — sparked her serious interest and creative journey in ceramics. Beginning with mosaics and tiles, she developed a deep and expansive relationship with clay.

Lesley's work is shown regionally and held in numerous private collections. Inspired by the natural world and driven by a belief that not everything can — or should — be controlled, her Raku-fired sculptures, vessels, and abstract wall mosaics are stunning in person. It has been inspiring not only to have her work displayed in Main Street Studio's gallery, but to be part of her creative process and collaborate with her across different mediums.

We are looking forward to sharing her expertise and passion for ceramics with the community!