About the class

Join the inimitable Melissa Ellero in a 6-week course presenting an interactive, fun, and creative learning opportunity for children.

Each week students will develop their creative skills, problem solving and knowledge, and engage in process-led creative exploration in clay from the making, decoration, drying and firing through to glazing finished works that can be used in their home or classroom or gifted to friends and families.

Students will get the chance to share and reflect on their creations during a mini exhibition held on the final day, which parents, guardians and caregivers are encouraged to attend!

Week 1: Make a Mug

Students will hand build a mug that can be decorated as their favourite pet, person or animal that will be fired as microwave-, dishwasher- and food-safe stoneware

Week 2: Sea Scape Plate, Dish or Bowl

Students will add colour, through painting with under glaze to finishing decorating their mug project from week 1, before commencing a new project of a sea scape plate, side dish or bowl using found sea shells to decorate the piece.

Week 3: Dice, Dominos, Tic Tac Toe

After decorating their plate, dish or bowl, students will create their own ceramic board game, exploring new and refined handbuilding techniques to create specific shapes, lines and forms.

Week 4: Self-Directed Project

By this week the students will have developed their own ideas around what they want to make and how their want to use the skills they have developed to create their own larger ceramic piece.

Week 5: Advanced Glazing Skills

Students will learn a variety of glaze techniques and process for final firing of their works.

Week 6: PLAY!

Students can free build on this day, and we will discuss and share our finished works that will be ready to be taken home!

Information for Parents:

• Please sign the class list in the studio when you drop off and pick up your child. Children will not be permitted to leave the studio at the end of class without a parent/guardian
• Your child should wear an art shirt, old clothes or bring an apron/art smock as the last three weeks of this course can get particularly messy!
• Please send your child with a sunhat and sunscreen as we may take them outside for breaks. All breaks are supervised by the tutor or a member of FAC's Creative Learning team
• Please ensure your child has water and a snack if required / desired
• All tutors and FAC Kids’ Classes staff hold valid Working with Children Checks
• Parents/guardians will be notified when animation or ceramics works are ready (this can take up to 4 weeks from the end of the holiday program)
• All materials are included

Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre is a heritage-listed building with access limitations. While there are no lift facilities within the main building, the ceramics studio is wheelchair accessible.

We acknowledge these limitations and are committed to improving accessibility where possible. We continue to explore ways to make our programs more inclusive and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions.

Other Additional Needs

Should you, or the person you are enrolling for, have any other additional requirements, please include these details when booking. Should you wish to chat to one of our friendly team, feel free to contact Reception on 9432 9555 or email ArtsCentre@fremantle.wa.gov.au to discuss any individual needs.