Working Big: Learn techniques for making larger work
Instructor: Ken Bichell
Dates: May 7 – 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm, Thursday – 5:00 pm, Sunday
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly, Intermediate, Advanced (must have prior clay knowledge of centering and pulling walls)
Tuition Only: $600 (includes lunches and welcome dinner) *You can add additional meals at the end of the registration form
Tuition + Lodging: $1,020 single room, $855 shared room (includes all meals)
In this course we will examine how to increase the scale of your work . Throwing tips and tricks will help to create larger while reducing the actual work. Then we are on to hand building and coil throwing that will help you to create on a scale that is limited only by how big your kiln is and how wide your studio door is. Hopefully you can take a large unfired bowl or thrown pot with you, but the main objective is to create large and then recycle the clay since there will be inadequate time to properly dry a very large pot. We will meet you where you are, so all skill levels are welcomed. No matter what your current skill set or physical strength is, you can expect to work bigger after this workshop.
- Optional materials to bring:
- – Personal toiletries (shampoo, hairdryer, etc. — linens and towels are provided)
- – Snacks
- – Personal tools
- – Notebook and pen/pencil
- – Water bottle
- – Layers for cool evenings
- – Hiking shoes
- – Raincoat
Workshop FAQs
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Are the studios and lodging facilities air conditioned?
Yes, there is air conditioning in each room and new air conditioning in our ceramics and multi-purpose studio!
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Is there Wi-Fi at the studios and lodging facilities?
Wi-Fi is available in the retreat center, multi-purpose studio, and ceramics studio.
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Are pets allowed?
We love pets, but unfortunately, we can’t accommodate them in the studios or lodging.
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What is Adamah's cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change, but when you register, Adamah makes significant investments in preparing for your participation. Cancellations made at least 60 days before the workshop start date will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 60 days of the start date are nonrefundable. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to adamah@bethelhorizons.org. If Adamah must cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll be notified 30 days in advance and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another workshop (based on availability). Please note that Adamah cannot be responsible for nonrefundable travel or lodging expenses.
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Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
We offer work-study options and scholarships for select workshops. Details are available on our website or by contacting us. You need to be accepted to the work-study or scholarship program before registering for a workshop.
Hourly Schedule
Thursday
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Arrival/Check In
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Welcome Dinner
- All participants
- 6 PM
- Studio Introduction
- Studio is open 24/7
Friday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – 10 AM
- Intros/Goal Setting
- 10 AM – Noon
- Demo Throwing Techniques
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 3 PM
- Practice throwing techniques
- 3 PM – 4 PM
- Demo sectional throwing
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Free Time/Hiking/Open Studio
Saturday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – 10 AM
- Trouble shooting projects in progress
- 10 AM – 11 AM
- Tips and tricks for throwing a large bowl demo
- 11 AM – Noon
- Demo coil building on a large scale
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Work Session
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Free Time/Hiking/Open Studio
Sunday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – 10 AM
- Demo on coil throwing
- 10 AM – 11 AM
- Trim bowls from previous day
- 11 AM – Noon
- Begin coil throwing
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 3 PM
- Finish Projects
- 3 PM – 4 PM
- Discussion
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Clean up/Group Photo