Autumn Cipala

Porcelain Vessels: Balance in Form, Surface, and Function

October 11 - 16, 2026

Intermediate

Clay

Overview

This intensive workshop explores the unique properties of porcelain, focusing on throwing techniques to harness its inherent qualities of translucency, luminosity, and strength. Geared toward intermediate participants, students are required to be able to efficiently center and throw three pounds of clay into a cylinder. The emphasis will be on achieving a balance of curves, proportions, and decoration, allowing students to build a visual vocabulary of form and pattern unique to their own work. Students will then move into surface embellishment, exploring carved imagery, slip, and sprigs. Students will learn specialized techniques for working with porcelain at every stage—from the wheel to greenware processes—and conclude with a discussion on selecting glazes that best articulate details and reveal the clay's delicate translucence during firing.

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

Autumn Cipala

Autumn Cipala is a ceramic artist and educator who works from her studio in Thomaston, Maine. She holds an MFA from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and a BFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania, Autumn acquired her art education through academic study and apprenticeship in both the U.S. and England. She currently teaches ceramics at the Maine College of Art & Design and has been a presenting artist at significant forums, including the Utilitarian Clay Symposium VIII and the Akal Exchange Symposium in Amizmiz, Morocco. Cipala has received numerous honors, most recently the "2024 Maine Artist Fellowship in Fine Craft" from the Maine Arts Commission, as well as grants and awards from NCECA and Strictly Functional Pottery National. Her work is exhibited nationally and internationally.

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