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What kind of ceramics apprenticeships are available in Canada? I'm determined to develop my skills, but I'm finding it really challenging to learn without guidance and access to an experienced ceramic artist. 

 

I would LOVE to get a degree in Ceramics, but i've already done school and I simply can't take out more loans to pursue this. I know part time paid options are more common in the US, but I haven't found anything comparable here. 

 

I'm originally from Alberta, so AB or BC would be amazing! 

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I hate to say this, but I don't know of any *formal* apprenticeship offerings in Canada at all, not the way you sometimes see in the States, or what Lisa Hammond is getting going in the UK. Every once in a while though, you hear about someone talking their way into some sort mentorship relationship.

You mentioned you've already done school: where have you gone, and how far did you get?

What direction are you looking to go in? Are you interested In a more artistic stream, or are you looking for more "business model" type information to round out your existing education? Most importantly, where are you now, geographically?

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I hate to say this, but I don't know of any *formal* apprenticeship offerings in Canada at all, not the way you sometimes see in the States, or what Lisa Hammond is getting going in the UK. Every once in a while though, you hear about someone talking their way into some sort mentorship relationship.

You mentioned you've already done school: where have you gone, and how far did you get?

What direction are you looking to go in? Are you interested In a more artistic stream, or are you looking for more "business model" type information to round out your existing education? Most importantly, where are you now, geographically?

 

Hi DieselClay, 

 

Thanks for your response. I am currently in Ontario, but looking to move to southern AB. Ideally I would like to end up in the Calgary region, but my family is in Lethbridge. I have a B.A. and a Bachelor of Social Work, but i'm finding that my passion is in ceramics. I've taken a few ceramics courses in university, but most of my learning has been self directed up until this point. If I had the time/money to do another degree, I would apply to ACAD... maybe one day I could do that, but at the moment it would be difficult.  

 

Right now I'm looking for a bit of both. I'm looking for someone who can help me to develop my artistic skill (I tend to lean towards functional pottery, but I'm certainly interested in branching out into the world of visual arts). I've started making my own glazes, but someone who could help me to learn this would be great.

 

I also need guidance in developing a business model. One day I would love to be selling/teaching youth in a non profit setting (to use some of my social work degree). I definitely have a long way to go, but this is something I am very passionate about. 

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Educational resources I have.

Places to check out in Southern Alberta for non-college, but excellent clay programming:

In Calgary: North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre and Wildflower Arts Centre (both city-run, most clay classes being taught by ACAD or Emily Carr grads). North Mount Pleasant also has membership studio hours available for more advanced students, and they often get big names in for workshops (Deb Shwatzkopf, Bill Wilkey and Cathi Jefferson in the last 2 years). You might also check out ACAD extensions to get exposure to other teachers.

 

Medicine Hat has Medalta, and they do world class residencies, and I believe they also offer classes to the public.

 

You might also want to look at summer Series classes at Red Deer College. These are always worth taking. Red Deer also has a 2 year diploma with a good clay program that at one point was worth a certain amount of transfer credit to ACAD. Could save some bucks on tuition.

 

There are undoubtedly more (and if anyone would like to add to this, please feel free), but those are the main ones I know of off the top of my head that are good. I want to say that Lethbridge has some kind of guild, but I'm not sure.

 

Here, you very much have to decide exactly what it is you want to learn, and chase it down, often from varied sources. The good news is, many of the different clay communities here are quite generous with their information. The communities don't intercommunicate as well as they could, but I don't think it's deliberate snobbery. You will probably also want to look at Alberta Craft Council and Alberta Potter's Association memberships.

 

I have more thoughts about business models, but it's Christmas Eve, and my family needs me right now. I'll write more in a couple of days. Merry Christmas!

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