Singing Clay explores ancient clay hand building techniques through the creation of sculptural and functional ceramic works inspired by contemporary and historical folk-art traditions. Students will learn and practice three foundational hand building methods—pinch, coil, and slab construction—used thousands of years across cultures.

The course places special emphasis on the creation of folk-art ocarinas, examining their historical and cultural significance as sound-producing objects. Students will learn how to construct functional ocarinas and creatively incorporate sound elements into dishes and vessels, allowing ceramic forms to quite literally produce a voice. Through hands-on making, historical references, and guided experimentation, students will create works that merge functions, sculpture, and sound.

Discover the lively tradition of Abashev folk clay toys in this hands-on workshop. Using simple hand building techniques, students sculpt a bull figurine and create a small working whistle inside each piece. Decorated with bold colors and playful folk patterns, these “singing” sculptures combine sound, storytelling, and traditional craft. Suitable for all levels.

Explore the bright and colorful tradition of Filimonov folk clay toys in this hands-on workshop. Using simple hand building techniques, students sculpt a stylized fox holding a mirror and build a small working whistle inside the form. Decorated with bold stripes and colorful folk patterns, these “sounding” sculptures combine storytelling, symbolism, and traditional craft. Suitable for all levels.

Discover the Romanov folk clay tradition in this hands-on workshop as students sculpt Romanushka, the symbolic goddess of life and fertility. Using simple hand building techniques, participants create an expressive figurine inspired by historic village ceramics and decorate it with colorful slips and folk patterns. A meaningful exploration of storytelling, sculpture, and traditional crafts. Suitable for all levels.

Explore the Petrov folk clay tradition in this hands-on workshop inspired by Makosh, the ancient Slavic goddess of earth, water, and fertility. Using simple hand building techniques, students sculpt a symbolic figurine and create a small working whistle inside the form. Decorated with traditional patterns and earthy colors, these “singing” sculptures connect sound, storytelling, and folk heritage. Suitable for all levels.