In this workshop, Maine K–12 educators will explore how to weave storytelling, culture, and history into clay through a range of hand-building and surface decoration techniques. Led by artists Yeonsoo Kim and Jihye Han, participants will learn pinching, coiling, and slab-building methods to create both functional and sculptural forms. Surface techniques will include inlay, sgraffito, drawing, painting, along with sculptural detailing such as adding flowers, animals, and other symbolic elements to enhance narrative expression. This session equips educators with practical strategies to help students translate personal and cultural stories into clay—while building technical skills and confidence. No prior ceramics experience is needed—just an openness to explore and create!
Dates: October 30 – 31, 2025
K12 Educator Workshop Fee: $75 (includes meals & materials)
Optional Housing (now free of charge!)
About Jihye & Yeonsoo
Jihye Han earned a BFA in Sculpture and Ceramics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an MFA in Ceramics from the University of North Texas. She was awarded the Texas BIPOC Ceramic Emerging Artist Award by Clay Houston in 2021 and received the 2022 Emerging Artist Award from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA). She has participated in numerous exhibitions at institutions both nationally and internationally. She is currently a full-time faculty member in the Art Department at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Yeonsoo Kim was born in Haenam, South Korea. He is full time studio artist in Exeter, NH. Kim earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics at Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia in Athens, GA. He achieved his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and glass from the Hongik University located in Seoul. Kim has held apprenticeships with Onggi masters in Jeolla-do (Hayngjong-Oh) and Gyeongsang-do (Jinkyu Huh) in Korea. Kim has won multiple awards; his most recent recognition is from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), which granted him one of the top six Emerging Artist Awards for the year 2020. He has participated in several artist residency programs, including the Baltimore Clayworks, Korea Ceramic Foundation, Montana State University, and the Archie Bray Foundation. Kim has exhibited nationally and internationally and recently had a solo exhibition at the Radius Gallery in Missoula, MT.
Workshop Schedule
Daily Schedule:
Thursday, October 30: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Please arrive at the Commons by 8:45 a.m. each day to grab breakfast; instruction begins in the studio at 9:00 a.m. The group will break for lunch at 12:30 p.m. Friday through Monday.
- Participants are responsible for their own dinner plans and can make use of the studio kitchenette for storing food and cooking. There are multiple dine-in and takeout options within driving distance from Watershed.
What to Bring
- Materials included in workshop cost:
- 25lbs clay
- Slip
- Underglaze
- Participants should bring:
- Basic clay tools for hand building (wire tool, needle tool, flexible rib, serrated rib, sponge, knife, fork, other favorite tools)
- Hand towel
- Brushes for underglaze
- Your favorite underglaze colors (just in case!) Watershed will supply underglazes in a few colors, but won’t have every color available.
- Your favorite images—such as magazine clippings, printed photos, or any visuals that inspire you—for use in drawing, painting, or surface decoration
- Plastic for covering work
- Boxes and packing material for transporting work (we do not keep much of this on hand!)
- Notebook and pencil
Housing & Meals
Meals
- Watershed provides continental breakfast and self-serve lunch Thursday and Friday.
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets can be accommodated.
- Those with additional dietary needs are welcome to bring supplemental food to store and prepare in Watershed’s studio kitchenette.
- Workshop participants make their own dinner arrangements. Various restaurants and take-out options are accessible via car.
On-Campus Housing
Thanks to the generous support of the Onion and Anonimo Foundations, Watershed is able to offer a limited number of single and double occupancy rooms free of charge, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bathroom facilities are shared but can be used by one person at a time, much like a bathroom in a home. Participants must bring their own sheets, blankets, and bath towels. Pillows and mattress pads are provided.
Those arriving Wednesday, the day before the workshop, should arrive between 2:00 p.m. and NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. to check in and be shown to their room.
Those arriving Thursday will be shown to their rooms that morning or at lunch.
Participants may also elect to stay off campus.
Payments & Cancellations
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The workshop fee and any housing fees are due in full with your registration.
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Please familiarize yourself with Watershed’s Cancellation Policy.
- Participants must agree to follow Watershed’s health & safety guidelines. Read them here.