SPECIAL WORKSHOP* Decorative Paddles w/ Andra Galbin-Pristavu (One Day Workshop)

Workshop Duration: One-day workshop (2.5 hours in length)

Dates/Times:

Sunday, April 6th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Workshop Description:

Join us for a hands-on clay workshop where you'll craft your very own decorative leather-style paddle using slab-building techniques. With step-by-step guidance, you'll start with pre-rolled and compressed slabs, ensuring a smooth and sturdy foundation. If time allows, you'll also get a quick demo on slab prep and have the chance to make a smaller paddle from scratch.

We'll be working with pre-drawn templates to shape our paddles, but there’s room for personalization—you can tweak the size and form to suit your style. You’ll also have creative freedom when it comes to cutout details, whether that means carving out meaningful words, simple shapes, or unique patterns. We’ll provide cookie cutters for inspiration, along with aesthetic and structural tips to help bring your vision to life.

Once your paddle is assembled, we'll refine the details—cleaning up edges, adding faux stitching for that classic leather look, and discussing glazing options to enhance the final piece. Whether you keep it minimal or go all out with textures and cutouts, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece that reflects your creativity.

About the Instructor: 

Andra Galbin-Pristavu (they/he) is a mixed media artist who works primarily with ceramics and found materials. They graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2024 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts and minor in Biological Studies and have been teaching ceramics since 2021. Andra’s work explores themes of trans and queer theory and culture with a focus on visibility and gender performativity. They combine raw materials with found objects to create scenes that combine comfort and discomfort, realistic elements with surrealist feelings. They enjoy the challenge of sculpting highly detailed renditions of personal and intimate objects, as well as bringing to life silly ceramic ideas that bring people joy. 

Workshop Details:

Location: The Clay Warehouse - #10-1770 McLean Ave. Port Coquitlam, BC, V4C 4 K8

Dates/Times:

Sunday, April 6th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Materials: All necessary materials are provided, including clay, tools, and firing services, as well as studio glazes.

Post Workshop: Once your piece is finished, we will fire it in our kiln twice. You will get to choose a glaze which will add colour to you finished piece. Please give us three weeks to finish you piece from the last day of class.

Who Should Attend/Skill Prerequisites: 

Limited Slots Available: To ensure Andra can give everyone plenty of hands-on guidance, we’ve kept this class to a maximum of 6 attendees per workshop.

No Clay Experience Required:

This class is ideal for those new to clay, seeking a different method than the potter's wheel, or looking to learn new skills.

Ensure you can commit to all class dates:

We plan our class dates far in advance to provide adequate notice for you to plan your life around our workshops. We ask that future students registering for this class commit to all class dates.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days before the first workshop date, and all cancellations are subject to a $50 administration fee. Cancellations made 6 days or less before the workshop will not be refunded. Once a workshop has begun, refunds will not be processed. We are a small business and must fill all spots in each class to pay our teachers and supply all materials and equipment. 

Students attending the workshop must be at least 18 years old:

Our studio is a mature space designed for adults looking to unwind from their daily lives.