CERAMIC DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION
Throwing Tall
with Noah Hughey-Commers
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Location: Virginia Wesleyan Univ
Workshop Description
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This will be a fun and busy workshop, giving participants a whole day to create several pieces and hone their throwing skills.
Noah is a very accomplished clay artist who specializes in large wood-fired forms. He will be joining us from the central part of Virginia where he lives and has his studio. During this workshop, he will demonstrate and give tips on how to throw taller forms that can then be manipulated into functional pieces.
In the morning Noah will throw several tall forms while discussing best techniques to achieve larger pieces. Next, he will discuss and demonstrate how to transform a tall cylinder into a functional and beautiful vase shape. After the demonstration each participant will take a wheel and practice creating taller forms.
There will be a break for lunch, then we will have a second demonstration by Noah. In the afternoon session, he will talk about and demonstrate throwing a tall form that can be transformed into a pitcher. There are several aesthetic considerations when creating a pitcher: size, shape, handle placement and more. Noah will review these considerations which are necessary for a pleasing shape. Then the participants will go back to the wheel and practice making a tall pitcher.
Total participants: 15 (we will keep a waiting list once the slots are filled)
Fee: $75 for CDA members, $110 for non-members
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Skill level: Advanced beginner to Intermediate throwing skills. Participants should be able to center 2 to 3 lbs. of clay and throw a cylinder which is 7 to 8 inches tall.
Clay: participants will bring their own, 15 lbs. or more.
Tools: throwing tools and bats
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​​​Member: $75
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Non-member: $110
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SODA FIRING WORKSHOP by Ray Wood
