Program Inspiration
Our summer program will run for two weeks, with a focus on throwing on the kickwheel. The teachings that inform this program have been passed down for six centuries from Master to Apprentice. Students will learn the basic practices and forms of pottery as taught from the lineage of Marguerite Wildenhain, and what it means to work with clay in a studio setting. We believe that the tools for maintaining the tradition while changing its direction are primarily demonstrations; the focus of each day is to learn the pottery forms through the demonstrations of the instructors. This course includes high quality instruction by alumni from the school, and imparts the benefits of learning to throw on the kickwheel. The program is hosted in Driftless Northeast Iowa at the School in the beautiful month of June, where one can lay in the grass, wade in the creek, and camp in the pasture.
Course Options
Full Two Weeks
Days begin with morning gathering, then demonstration and work time, a morning break where guests and students share lectures, poetry, stories, and more; after lunch break we finish out the day working again on the kickwheel.
One Week
The one week option for this course can be attended either the first or second week of the full course, and focuses on the same teachings and traditions. If you choose the one week option for this course, it's recommended that beginners should attend during the first week, and folks with some pottery experience should attend the second week.
Weekend Workshop
We’ll have a break from our regular program schedule on the weekend, when we'll host a shorter ceramics workshop (subject TBD) with some of the alumni from the original South Bear School. This 2-day workshop can also be attended as a standalone program, but is included in the Full Two Week package. Previous subjects of the 2-day workshop have been mold making and slipcasting, mug making, and more.
Program Cost 2025
One Week: $450
Two Weeks: $975 (Includes weekend workshop)
Weekend Workshop: $175
Scholarships
We understand that financial assistance may be necessary for some folks, and we have several partial scholarships available, as well as work-trade options for students who are somewhat experienced in studio pottery. To apply for a scholarship, please use the scholarship section of the registration form.
Accommodations
Many students camp on the property, but some have stayed at Airbnb's or hotels in the town of Decorah just a short 5 minute drive from the property. An indoor kitchen, shower, and bathroom is available, as well as an outdoor shower.
What to Bring
If you plan to camp, please bring the necessary gear to do so. We offer primitive camping options in our woods with a portapotty available. There is always a chance for rain, so make sure you are prepared. Please bring clothing that you are okay with getting dirty; if you are working with clay it can stain clothes. Bring a sturdy pair of shoes for the kickwheel. Sandals can work, but thin open-toed shoes like flip-flops are not recommended. Please bring your own food and cooler; there will be shared fire rings available for cooking, but you may also use other methods of cooking like a camp stove. There is a gas station about 5 minutes away where you can get ice. Water will be available on site, as well as a few electric outlets to charge a phone in the Barn. Bring a swimsuit if you’d like to splash in the creek. If you have your own tools (clay tools, paintbrushes, etc) please bring them, but we will have enough to share for each workshop if you don’t have them. It is also a good idea to bring a sketchbook or notebook of your preference. Some camp chairs and small tables are always good to have as well.
Registration
Register using the form linked below. To register, you must make a deposit of $50 in order to hold your spot in the workshop.
Register