did you know? kentuck members save on workshops. learn more
sgraffito & mishima
instructed by amy smoot
Sgraffito means “to scratch” in Italian and is a decorative technique where a colored underglaze or slip is applied to a piece of pottery. The potter then scratches through the colored layer to create contrasting images, patterns, or textures by revealing the original clay color underneath.
Mishima is a traditional Japanese decorative technique where potters carve a design into the bare clay and then inlays a contrasting color into the line using slip or underglaze. Excess color is then wiped or carved away revealing a crisp design. Both of these texhniques are foundational to clay surface design and beginner friendly.
These techniques can be used on pottery or scuptural clay works and can even be used together on one piece! On the first day, students will construct 2-3 forms using simple handbuilding techniques, focusing on a smooth surface in prepreation for misima and sgraffito on the second day.
This class is open to all skill levels and beginner friendly! This workshop will be held May 16 & 17 from 3-5pm.
let's learn together
Age Range: 18+
Dates: May 16 & 17
Times: 3-5pm
Location: Kentuck's Clay Studio
Tuition: $100; All supplies included
Secure your spot in the class today!
You must be 18+ to attend. Space is limited to 13 attendees. The minimum for this class is 4 participants, and if the class does not meet the minimum, participants will be refunded. This workshop is non-refundable after the registration deadline passes.
Please email Amy Smoot at asmoot@kentuck.org with any questions.
Kentuck workshops are non-refundable after the registration closes. If you would like to cancel before the deadline passes, please email asmoot@kentuck.org or call 205-758-1257. If the class does not meet the minimum by the registration deadline & the workshop is cancelled, participants will be refunded their registration fees.
meet the instructor: amy smoot
.jpg)
Amy Smoot is from Carrollton, GA and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, AL. She received her BFA in ceramics from the University of West Georgia in 2015. While there, she was studio technician and research assistant in the ceramics area. In 2019 she received her MFA from The University of Alabama where she first began teaching ceramics as a graduate assistant and then as an adjunct instructor. Her practice consists of all types of ceramics techniques including mold-making, slip-casting, hand building, and wheel thrown pottery. Amy began teaching for Kentuck in 2021 and joined Kentuck's staff as Clay Studio Manager in 2023.
This workshop is made possible in part by support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.