Finding Ballarat’s Ceramic Heart

Creating with clay is now more accessible than ever with a series of opportunities to learn, make and fire ceramic pieces of art in Ballarat.

The Ballarat Ceramic Heart program is a rare chance to access one of Ballarat’s premier ceramic studios, now Federation University’s Ceramic Studio located inside the historic old gaol.

Participants will have access to state-of-the-art kilns, pottery wheels, glazing stations and work spaces at Federation University’s SMB Campus.

It will also bring together a community of people passionate about pottery.

The Ballarat Ceramic Heart Ceramic Taster Classes are a perfect introduction or re-introduction to ceramics. Whether it be wheel throwing or hand building, each experience is an intensive introduction to making with clay.

The Ballarat Ceramic Heart Masterclass Series is a chance to watch, listen and learn from a number of different experienced practitioners as they demonstrate and explain their techniques and reveal a few secrets of their practice.

Designed for the interested ceramicist, practicing artist and casual observer, the Masterclass Series allows hands-on opportunities and plenty of time to ask questions. Each masterclass is a full-day experience.

For those keen to make their own ceramics pieces at home – but who do not have their own kiln – Ballarat Ceramic Heart is also offering Fire by Kilo. Bisque, earthenware and glaze firing will be available, making this beautiful artform more accessible to budding makers.

The Ballarat Ceramic Heart Program is a collaboration between the City of Ballarat and Federation University, with support from Creative Victoria.

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Amy Johnson said the Ballarat Ceramic Heart program was a fantastic example of the Creative City Strategy in action.

“The Creative City Strategy is designed to create opportunities for people of all demographics to enjoy and participate in Ballarat’s artistic offerings,” Cr Johnson said.

“This program is a wonderful way to introduce ceramics to anyone interested in learning more – either as a novice, a practitioner or just someone with a desire to know more about the craft.”

Masterclass dates:

Saturday 19 March, 10am-5pm, Peter Pilven: A Free Way with Clay

Saturday 26 March, 10am-5pm, Minaal Lawn: Pushing the Medium

Saturday 23 April, 10am-5pm, Nandita Nadkarni: The Restraint of Porcelain

Saturday 21 May, 10am-5pm, Ben Mazey: Blocking with Bright Colour

For more information and to book, visit Creative Ballarat Masterclasses

For more information on Ceramic Taster Classes available during April, visit Creative Ballarat Ceramic Taster Classes

To book for Fire by Kilo go to Creative Ballarat Fire By Kilo.