Gratitude | Respect | Optimism | Wonder
GROW With Castle Hill
Instructors: Isabel Souza, Ingrid Crosen, Lois Hirshberg, Christopher Smith
April 8, 10, 22, 24
3:15pm - 5:00pm
For Grades 4-5
The kids after school GROW program at the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill proudly presents a Clay Extravaganza! Come join us for 4 exciting days of making clay creations with our very talented Ceramic Artists, Isabel Souza and Ingrid Crosen. You will work to explore and build one final piece, which you will then glaze and then Raku! Learn about the magic of Raku firing as you watch Lois Hirshberg and Christopher Smith demonstrate the power of heat and the amazing effects that can be achieved through this process! Each student will complete one final beautiful piece to bring home!
April 8, 10, 22: Make and glaze with Isabel Souza & Ingrid Crosen
April 24: Raku Firing demo with Lois Hirshberg and Christopher Smith
More about our Ceramics Artists…
Isabel Souza is a ceramic artist and teacher based in Truro, Massachusetts. Isabel’s goal as a ceramic artist is to create objects that hold stories and add meaning to our surroundings. Her designs aim to feel personal in how they interact with the human body, whether it is a mug that we hold to our lips and cradle in our hands for warmth, a serving bowl that is passed between loved ones at a dinner table or a pair of vibrant earrings that we thread through our ears on special occasions. Isabel’s hope is that her works spark as much joy for their users as the creative process kindles for her.
Lois Hirshberg has been a studio potter on Cape Cod, specializing in Western Raku, for over 45 years. She began her love of ceramics at Mudflat Studios in the 1970s. After studying clay pottery at Bezalel School of Arts and Design in Jerusalem and in Japan with Parsons School of Design, Lois earned a M.A. in Art Therapy from Lesley University.
Christopher Smith completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth, Massachusetts in the spring of 2020. Prior to his graduate degree, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa as well as a Bachelors degree in Vedic Science. Christopher’s work involves the procedures of wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics, atmospheric-firing conditions and locally sourced materials. Christopher also worked as an assistant to ceramic artist Chris Gustin. Selected accolades include the 2018 Karon Richardson Doherty Memorial Scholarship, 2017 George and Ellen McKinnon Scholarship, and in 2016 the Outstanding Student Award in the Field of Fine Arts.
Ingrid Crosen is a Wellfleet local who discovered her love for pottery in a clay class at Nauset High School. This class ended up being the first of many wonderful ceramics courses for her. She graduated from the University of Vermont, where she took additional clay classes alongside her studies. “There’s never an end to what you can learn with clay, and I love discovering new methods and techniques from fellow ceramicists.” Ingrid’s favorite part of the clay process is experimenting with glazing. “I am always excited to see how the kiln transforms my pieces.” When working with clay, she is drawn to creating functional vessels that can be used for years to come. Much of what she make are dishes for serving and enjoying food and drink. This year, she has been teaching wheel throwing to fourth and fifth graders at the Wellfleet Elementary School. I love seeing their fascination and excitement at the wheel. “Clay can take on endless forms, and I delight in seeing what kids create when they let their imaginations run.”