Found, Foraged & Multi-Fired with Matthew Dercole

Join Watershed’s Studio Manager Matthew Dercole to explore the potential of “ready made” ceramics (thrifted and found) as well as the tile format to learn about multiple-fired approaches to ceramic surfaces, including underglazes, custom decals and metallic lusters. Participants will learn luster-application best practices, experiment with their own custom printed decals, and play with underglaze decals on tiles as a canvas for dynamic multi-fired surface decoration.

Participants will be supplied with bisqued and already glazed tiles to use, but can also utilize previously made fired ceramics (their own and thrifted or commercial pieces) in pursuit of this work.

Dates: November 22 & 23
Public Fee: $410 (includes breakfast, lunch & clay)
K-12 Educator Fee: $65 (includes breakfast, lunch & clay)

Optional Housing: $65/night double room; $90/night single room

REGISTER

About Matthew

Matthew recently moved from Hartford, CT where he taught ceramics at the University of Hartford. Now Watershed’s Studio and Facilities Manager, Matthew received his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Iowa. He has held positions as Work Study at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, and studio staff at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. He has participated as Artist in Residence at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln NE, Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago IL, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg TN. Matthew has worked for artist Theaster Gates and has held Instructor positions in ceramics at multiple art centers and universities across the US. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including museums in Spain, Croatia, South Korea and Slovenia.

Workshop Schedule

Daily Schedule:
Friday, Nov 22: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 23: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Please arrive at the studio by 8:45 a.m. each day; instruction begins at 9:00 a.m. The group will break for lunch at 12:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
  • The workshop fee includes clay to use during the workshop session. Individual workspace and shelving will be provided. Workshop participants should plan to bring their own tools and packing material to transport work home. See below for a full list of materials.
  • Participants must agree to follow Watershed’s health & safety guidelines. Read them here.

What to Bring

Please bring:

  • notebook & pen
  • Personal bisqueware & test tiles (optional)
  • Commercially made ceramics for refiring (optional)

Watershed will provide:

  • metallic lusters, full color commercial decals and “hacker” decals
  • commercial bisqued and glazed tiles for experimentation
  • range of “ready made” commercial ceramic forms
  • Personal Protective Equipment for particulate and general use

Housing & Meals

Watershed provides continental breakfast and lunch Friday and Saturday. Vegetarian 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

Watershed offers housing in single occupancy or double occupancy rooms furnished with twin beds. Single occupancy rooms are $90/night and double rooms are $65/night. Those who would like to reserve housing may do so with their registration.

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. 

Housing is limited; participants requesting housing and will be assigned rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those staying overnight at Watershed on November 21st & November 22nd should arrive between 2:00 p.m. and NO LATER THAN 4:00 p.m. on the 21st to check in and be shown to their room.

Those staying at Watershed only on November 22nd should go directly to the studio on the morning of the 22nd. Watershed staff will show you to your room during the midday workshop break.

Participants may also elect to stay off campus.

Payment & Refunds

The workshop fee and any housing fees are due in full with your registration.

If you need to drop out of the workshop, Watershed will refund your fees, less a $50 processing fee, until 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. For cancellations made after September 22, fees are non-refundable but can be applied to a future Watershed program within the next calendar year.