icasandiego
Glaze Chemistry Demystified (Sep 12 - Oct 24, skips Oct 10) - Fall 2026
Glaze Chemistry Demystified (Sep 12 - Oct 24, skips Oct 10) - Fall 2026
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Best suited for students with prior ceramics experience. Ages 16+
Take a deeper dive into the science, structure, and mystery behind ceramic glazes in this hands-on course designed to demystify glaze chemistry through discussion, demonstration, experimentation, and testing. Ideal for curious makers looking to better understand why glazes behave the way they do, this class bridges the gap between creative exploration and technical understanding.
Throughout the course, students will learn the foundational building blocks of glaze chemistry, including the function of common glaze materials, how various ingredients affect surface quality and firing results, and how to identify and troubleshoot common glaze flaws such as crazing, pinholing, crawling, blistering, and more.
Participants will gain hands-on experience mixing glazes from scratch, creating test tiles, documenting results, and developing a stronger understanding of how clay bodies, surface application, and kiln atmosphere all interact in the final firing process. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation, observation, and building confidence through testing.
Whether you're looking to better understand commercial glazes, begin creating your own glaze recipes, or simply gain more control over your surfaces and firing outcomes, this class offers an approachable yet in-depth introduction to the world of glaze chemistry.
What to expect:
- Introduction to foundational glaze chemistry and glaze components
- Hands-on glaze mixing and testing
- Test tile creation and documentation methods
- Understanding glaze flaws and troubleshooting techniques
- Exploration of surface quality, texture, color response, and fit
- Discussion of clay body and glaze interaction
- Guidance on safe studio and material practices
- Emphasis on experimentation, analysis, and process
This class is perfect for ceramic artists eager to move beyond simply using glaze and toward truly understanding it.
A materials list will be provided closer to the start date.
Day of the Week
Saturdays, 10am - 1pm
Six Week Class Schedule
September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24 (skips October 10)
Teaching Artist
Katie Francis
Instructor Bio
Katie Francis is a ceramic artist and educator based in San Diego, California. She received her undergraduate degree in mathematics at Clemson University and her MFA with an emphasis in ceramics at San Diego State University. She has participated in exhibitions and craft shows across the nation, and she is an active member of the San Diego Potters Guild. She is currently an adjunct professor, teaching ceramics classes at several colleges in San Diego County. Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly and most recently in the exhibitions Viewpoint: Ceramics at the Hyde Art Gallery and Cup: The Intimate Object XXI at Charlie Cummings Gallery.
Price
Non-member $365
General membership and above $328.50 (Please use discount code: ICAMEMBERSAVE at checkout)
Cancelation/Refund Policy: Cancel up to 7 days before the start of class for a full refund. Cancelations less than 7 days before the start of class are ineligible for refund.
All students receive FREE LAB ACCESS at the ICA after the second class meeting and an additional 3 weeks following the conclusion of the course.
For all ceramics inquiries, please email Amber Hamblin-Pederson, Ceramics Program Manager, directly at amber@icasandiego.org
Interested in deepening your ceramics knowledge? This class forms part of the ICA Ceramics Certificate Program course sequence. To learn more and save on ICA courses, click here.
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