Why this workshop stands out:

• Sunshine Cobb's approach combines deep knowledge of historical ceramics with a fresh contemporary perspective. Rather than focusing solely on technique, this workshop explores how creative ideas, personal expression, and thoughtful experimentation can transform the way you make. Participants will leave with new handbuilding skills, a deeper understanding of form and surface, and renewed inspiration for their studio practice.

Who should attend:

• This workshop is designed for potters and ceramic artists with prior clay experience who are ready to deepen and expand their practice. Ideal for handbuilders, wheel throwers interested in incorporating handbuilt elements, and experienced makers seeking fresh inspiration, new construction techniques, and a more expansive approach to form, surface, and personal expression.

General Workshop Participant Info

• Lunches - We will have 1/2 hour breaks for lunch. Please pack yourself a lunch in a cooler if needed. We do have one microwave and one toaster oven, but there are lots of people in the workshop, so there could be a line to use these appliances. A simple sandwich might be best.

• Curiosity and patience - we will be working in a group and learning from the efforts of everyone. Please come willing to be part of this awesome community!

Tools and Materials

RCC will provide up to 25# of reclaimed clay (white-buff stoneware) per person. Participants may choose to purchase more clay, or bring their own light colored clay to work with. No dark/red clay bodies. Please manage your own reclaim for out-of-house clays. This workshop is a process-based workshop, and firing of artwork is not included.

PLEASE BRING your own set of tools for this workshop - here’s what we recommend!
Make sure your name or initials are written on all your items.

Journal & pen, sketchbook are always a good idea!
Banding Wheel (if you are local, we have a few for those traveling)
Ribs – Metal
Rib - Soft Red Rubber

About Sunshine Cobb

https://www.sunshinecobb.com/

Sunshine Cobb, (pronouns she/they) As a full-time studio artist living in Helena, MT she specializes in handmade functional pottery. She frequently travels (online these days) she country as an invited lecturing and demonstrating artist. They are considered an important contemporary functional potter, hailed in both academic and commercial circles, and is consistently featured in art exhibitions throughout the country. With a strong social media following and online media presence, she represents an innovator in online business models in the ever-changing ceramics field and a leading advocate for functional art in modern living. She works with artists, seeking mentorship, to develop their practice and learn about the field they are seeking to enter. She has also authored two books “Mastering Hand Building” and “A Beginners Guide to Hand Building” by Voyager Press.

Artist Statement

I want my work in clay to represent growth and accomplishment, in which I believe reminiscence and nostalgia play a part. I rely on texture and color to create a sense of motion and time in my work. I hope to instill a sense of age, like one finds apparent in discarded objects, with the aim to infuse feelings of nostalgia and wanderlust in my ceramic objects. By exploring and creating vessels kept within arms reach, I hope to communicate how an objects significance can grow and change depending on the path of a persons life. And how the relationship between function and ornament shift throughout the course of a day/week/year. Through form and surface my goal is to communicate a sense of home and memory but also to evoke that feeling of wanderlust that has informed my own life and visual sensibilities. My work is at its very best when in use, flowers or food, the work comes to life and enhances any encounter.

RCC Clay Participation Opportunities

Read our registration policies, refunds, and other conditions before registering.
Clay classes require some physical strength. Consider a one-time event if you are uncertain of your ability to participate.

• Fall Session Dates: Sept 7th-Nov 20th, varies by class

• Scholarships for session classes

• Gift Certificates. Share the gift of Creativity.

• FAQ’s for Classes at RCC (Learn More)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
If you want to cancel your class, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a class that fits better into your schedule.

Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double-check your schedule before committing to an event. Refunds take several business days to process from the date we receive the email request.

For sessional classes, one-time classes, private lessons, and exploratory workshops lasting up to 2 days:

• 100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than 10 days before the day of the first class meeting.

• 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 5 days before the first class meeting.

• 0% of tuition is refunded if cancellation is made within five days of class for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

• Missed Classes: No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students enrolled in 10-week classes may use open studio time to build skills even if they miss a class. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

• We reserve the right to cancel a class or workshop up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled, you will be offered the option of another class or a full refund.

• For some reason, should the studio have an unforeseen need to reschedule the class, you will be notified and given the option to take a class at a later date or receive a refund. Examples of these include power outages, COVID flare-ups, or force majeure.

A minimum of 9 participants is required to run the class. If a class does not meet this requirement, we will give notice about any cancellations, and a refund will be issued.