Clay Center of New Orleans Classes & Workshops

Please note that the Clay Center will be closed the following days:

• Feb 9: Super Bowl
• Feb 22-23: First weekend of parades
• Mar 1-5: Second weekend of parades, Mardi Gras, and Ash Wednesday

Elevate your sculpting skills in this portrait bust sculpting class designed for beginners and intermediate artists. This course delivers a comprehensive introduction to sculpting portrait busts in clay, blending technical precision with your own creative artistic expression.

In this class we will cover:

• Establishing your subject - including how to source or capture high-quality reference photos or creating dynamic sketches of your subject.
• Exploring helpful techniques for manipulating ceramic clay at various stages of the drying process to achieve optimal results.
• Methods for understanding the anatomy of your subject and learning how to translate that information into a three-dimensional form.
• Developing the skills to identify and execute symmetrical balance, enhancing the likeness of your sculptures.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid grasp of essential techniques and insights into the art of portraiture, empowering you to create compelling, lifelike sculptures with confidence. Whether refining your craft or starting your journey, this class offers the tools and expertise to elevate your work. 

Course Level

• Beginner (no prior clay experience)
• Beginner+ (some prior clay experience)
• Intermediate

Included in your tuition

• Midrange stoneware clay (other clay bodies available for purchase)
• Firing fees for pieces made in this class
• Use of communal studio tools (individual tool kits also available for purchase)
• Use of studio slips, stains, and glazes

Good to know

• We suggest bringing an apron or wearing clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
• To cut down on trash, we don't provide paper towels in the studio. We suggest all students bring a hand or kitchen towel to dry their hands.
• Registrations for courses that have not met the required number of students will close 24 hours before the start date of the course.
• Students may return to the Clay Center during Open Studio to finish pieces started in class for one month following the last class day of their registered class.
• If you've never been to the Clay Center, please click here to review our location and parking information.

Missed Class/Make-up Policies

• We allow one make-up for a missed class per four-week course, but please be advised that there are no other portrait sculpting classes available during this class session.
• Make-ups can be done in another class of the same level if there's room or in Open Studio.
• Available make-up class slots will be posted here for registration following the first week of the class session. There is no cost to register for a make-up class, but spots are limited and not available in all classes.
• Make-ups must be completed during the same class session as the missed class unless other arrangements have been made.
• Make-ups done in Open Studio must be completed within 14 days of the last day of the registered class. 
• If you'll miss two or more classes in a session, we recommend waiting until you can be available for a full course.