Eric Botbyl

Altering On the Wheel & Layered Surfaces

November 1 - 6, 2026

Intermediate

Clay

Overview

This workshop introduces ideas and techniques about how to alter wheel thrown pots on the wheel. With basic wheel throwing skills recommended, students will learn to confidently manipulate thrown forms using a myriad of tools such as bisque stamps, roulettes, and ribs, in combination with techniques like cutting, folding, and darting. Students can look forward to exploring altered forms such as mugs, pitchers, ewers, boxes, and baskets. This workshop will also demonstrate how to build dynamic, multi-dimensional surfaces in oxidation by layering slips and underglazes.

Course Fee : $760.00

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$760.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$810.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Eric Botbyl

Eric Botbyl is a full-time studio potter living and working in Humboldt, Tennessee. He received his BA in Ceramics & Sculpture from Union University in 2001 and has since built a career as an artist, educator, and community builder. His work has been featured in publications including Ceramics Monthly Magazine and Studio Potter, and he actively shows his pieces through galleries and exhibitions, notably receiving the “Best Thrown and Altered” award at the 24th Strictly Functional Pottery National in 2016. He has had a solo exhibition at the Morean Center for Clay and was recently invited to exhibit in Namwon, Republic of Korea. Eric has taught many workshops across the U.S. and Canada, and has designed and constructed five wood-burning kilns, including one of the largest wood-burning kilns in Tennessee at his alma mater. He is the founder of his own studio, East Mitchell Clay, which hosts community classes and a thriving residency program. Alongside his wife, Jill, he is also the proprietor of Companion Gallery, a retail gallery representing over 50 nationally recognized ceramic artists.

Artist Website

Explore the Ceramics Studio

Located in the historic West Building, the Ceramic Studios are a multi-room complex dedicated to all our clay loving students. Featuring both a wheel throwing studio and hand-building studio, shared spaces between these classrooms include a hot box, electric kiln room, train kiln yard (soda and wood firing), and glaze room. With dedicated, professional studio staff on-hand to assist, Arrowmont is prepared to meet every knead – err need.

Explore the Ceramics Studio