We offer exclusive Atelier sessions for our members.
Both CACM members and non-members are welcome to attend our Workshops and Special Events. Check out our upcoming program.
To purchase our Workshops please go to our STORE Tab.
To purchase an Atelier, you must first become a CACM Associate Member.
Atelier: 4-6 weeks
Workshop: 1-2 days
Breathe Sound Into Clay - Mastering the Ocarina Sculptural Whistles (WRK-02-25)
2 Day Program
Led by Joe Kowalczyk
2026 Dates TBA
Start the New Year with the Sound of Music!
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the art and science of ocarina making. We’ll begin by examining a variety of sculpted ocarinas, listening closely to their unique sounds, and discussing the key factors that influence tone and pitch.
Participants will first be guided through the construction of a basic clay whistle to understand the fundamental mechanics of wind instruments. From there, we’ll progress to the ocarina, applying theory through a trial-and-error approach to shaping, tuning, and refining the instrument.
This workshop emphasizes both craftsmanship and sound design, with individual troubleshooting and one-on-one instruction throughout. The class is held over two three-hour sessions and is open to all experience levels—ideal for beginners with a curiosity for sound, as well as makers looking to refine their ocarina-building techniques. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of sound mechanics and hands-on experience in ocarina construction.
Find out more about Joe Kowalczyk here: https://www.joko.us
And check out the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California August newsletter featuring Joe’s interview: ACGA
Mid-Range Firing_ATL-2-26
6-week program
Led by Nadia Tarzi-Saccardi
Monday, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
March 9 - April 20
Take your firing skills to the next level in this focused, six-week, mentor-led Atelier designed for adventurous ceramicists. Participants will dive deeper into construction techniques suited to mid-range firing and refine glaze application while working in the cone 5–6 range.
Throughout the Atelier, specific building demonstrations and guided projects will be used to illustrate how form, material choices, glaze application, and firing decisions interact at mid-range temperatures. These hands-on examples provide practical context for achieving more consistent, intentional results.
Participants will leave with a stronger technical understanding of mid-range firing, along with practical strategies for troubleshooting common firing challenges and developing a more confident, repeatable firing process.
This extended workshop is intensive. Participants are expected to take advantage of their LAB hours to complete work on a weekly basis.
This CACM/TLCA workspace option is offered to TLCA students, exceptionally, due to several Terra Linda community center closures that significantly shorten the regular Saturday AM schedule from January 10 to February 14.
CACM/TLCA workspace includes the following:
Weekly Part Time Access with no instruction. Make your own schedule.
Total of 48 hours access over 6 weeks
25 lbs of regular clay
2000 cubic inches of firing - if you go over, you may purchase additional firing inches through the portal.
Atelier - Scales & Skins: Reptiles & Amphibians_ATL-12-25
6-week program
Led by Bree Woodward
May 27 - July 1
Explore the rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians through the lens of sculpture in this intermediate-level workshop. Scales & Skins focuses on refining sculpting techniques while deepening anatomical understanding of creatures such as frogs, turtles, snakes, geckos, chameleons, and more.
Participants will:
Utilize templates and anatomical references to build dynamic, structurally sound clay forms.
Study skeletal frameworks and musculature to inform realistic anatomy and pose design.
Sculpt expressive gestures and species-specific features with attention to proportion and character.
Learn advanced surface techniques for rendering scales, skin textures, and other fine details.
Designed for students with prior experience in clay work, this Atelier blends artistic practice with biological accuracy to elevate your sculpting skills and bring cold-blooded creatures vividly to life.
The CACM Clay Talks: Conversations with the Masters is a platform dedicated to bringing top-tier ceramic artists together with our community of makers and enthusiasts. Our goal is to provide attendees with a rare opportunity to hear directly and learn from experienced ceramic artists.
Stay tuned for our 2026 list of participants and bi- monthly meeting dates