WORKSHOPS 2027

LEAH LEITSON

January 24-31st- 2027

‍ ‍Beyond the Wheel: Expanding Form and Surface in Porcelain

This eight-day immersive workshop invites participants to explore various approaches to working with porcelain beyond traditional wheel-throwing. Techniques include throwing and altering forms; combining thrown and handbuilt elements; and using hump and slump molds. Surface development will focus on slips, carving, and other expressive methods applied to freshly thrown work. Students will work at their own pace while enhancing technical skills and developing a personal style. The workshop finishes with a high-fire gas firing, and participants will take their finished work home.

Leah Leitson

January 24-31st- 2027

Beyond the Wheel: Expanding Form and Surface in Porcelain

Workshop content is suitable for all level students, but a basic familiarity with clay and wheel throwing is required.

Enrollment is limited to 14 participants.

TUITION: $1365: 7 DAYS of hands on instruction!! We will have a rest day on FRIDAY 1/29, you are welcome to come into the studio, but there will be no instruction and no kept work that day as we will be firing the big kiln.

A 25% non-refundable deposit of $341.25 is needed to hold your space. See button for registration.

Please note, we suggest you secure accommodations and travel arrangements prior to registration, please make sure both are refundable. See cancellation policy at the bottom of the page.

Final Payment of $1023.75 is due by NOVEMBER 22,2026. Price includes instruction, lunch and refreshments throughout the day, firings, glazes, use of studio equipment, and 50# of B mix. More clay may be purchased during the workshop if needed.

Start Your Next Adventure WITH US.

Leah Leitson was named Professor Emerita of Art in 2024. She is a ceramic artist and educator based in Asheville, North Carolina. Leah received her M.F.A. in Ceramics from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1996 and her B.F.A. in Ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 1984.

She has completed residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana; the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta, Canada; Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Skælskør, Denmark; and Artist Residency, Township 10, in Marshall, North Carolina. Leah is a member of Piedmont Craftsmen and the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Leah has led numerous workshops throughout the United States, including at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina, and Arrowmont School of Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and has also taught internationally in Italy and Israel. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is represented in museum and private collections, as well as featured in books and magazines.

Tuition covers 50lbs of B Mix and firings during the workshop session. More clay may be purchased during the workshop for $5 per pound, half bag $ 55 or full bag $105 (yes our clay is expensive, but it includes your firing fees, glazes, kilns etc.) For the last day of making the larger forms, (sections) recycled clay can be purchased at a discounted amount as no firing/glazing be included. A wheel space, and shelving will be provided for each student.

Students should plan to bring their own tools; however, an assortment of standard tools are available for shared use during the workshop.

please scroll down to check out cancellation policy and more!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL WORKSHOPS

CANCELLATION POLICY

If a cancellation is received more than 45 days prior to the start of class, you will be refunded the full amount paid less the non-refundable deposit. There is no refund if a cancellation is made within 45 days of the start of the course. Should the studio need to cancel due to low enrollment, or other unforeseeable issues, you will receive a full refund of any monies paid. This will be determined 50 days prior to the workshop, allowing you time to cancel any travel or accommodation plans you have made. Please make sure to check the cancelation policy at your lodging and airline booking.

Tip: if you arrive on island a few days early please feel free to stop by to familiarize yourself with where we are and how to navigate yourself around!

Please Note this workshop is during our VERY busy tourist season and arrangements for accommodations if you are coming from off island should be made EARLY, and should be refundable within 45 days of arrival.

MEALS

We put out a lovely lunch everyday of the workshop. Vegetarian options will be available. Please let us know when you sign up if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions we should keep in mind.

PACKING / SHIPPING FINISHED WORK

There will be one glaze firing during the course of the workshop. Students will take home glaze-fired pieces by the end of the week. On the last day, before the kiln unloading we can have packing and shipping demonstration for those interested. That afternoon, once the last kiln is unloaded, students will be able to pack their own work for shipment if needed. Materials for this will be available for purchase. The cost of packing materials and shipping is the responsibility of the participant. Packages can be shipped US Postal Service. *****We are happy to bring packed up packages to the post office for you and get them shipped off.

QUESTIONS?

Please email us at workshops.potteryinparadise@gmail.com

Students must be 18 or older by the start of the course to register. Registration takes place on a first come, first serve basis. In the event that a workshop reaches maximum enrollment, you will be added to a wait-list and notified if a space becomes available.