Secret of the Garden Vessel
General Information
No fee, just register below!
Limited Availability*
Lottery Selected Entry*
- All clay, tools, and firing provided.
- Wear messy shoes; studio safety guidelines shared on day 1.
If you have additional questions please email us at creationshopmn.com
MSAB Funded Artist Experience
"This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund."
Our Course
Age 17+
5:15pm-8:45pm
Monday Evenings
5-Week Course
Week 1 - Introduction & Practice
Week 2 - Vessel Forms & Finishes
Week 3 - Japanese Gardens & Elements
Week 4 - Glazes & Finishes
Week 5 - Arrangement & Reflection
Miniature
Aesthetics
1. Introduction to the Art of Miniature
Slideshow and guided discussion on the history of miniature landscapes.
2. Eastern Aesthetics
Explore elements of design in eastern art traditions.
3. Symbolism & Mindfulness Discover the meanings in art symbols & explore narratives about these vessels.
4. Potter Wheel Practice
Warm up to the process with hands-on vessel throwing.
Vessel Forms & Finishes
1. Stoneware & Porcelain
Explore differences in texture, strength, & finish.
2. Handbuilding & Wheel-Throwing
Compare techniques and choose your path.
3. Functional Sculpture
Explore design considering shape, depth, volume, and function.
4. Surface Effects
Learn about methods for advanced surface finishes.
5.Final Project Begins
Start crafting your personal planter or vessel.
Japanese Garden
& Elements
1. Visual Inspiration
Art Talk by Sam Busko.
Learn about Japanese
gardens, symbolism in
stone, lanterns, and
wooden structures.
2. Vessel Media & Tools
Explore stone setting,
vessel media, optional
plants, sand and tools to
curate your landscape.
3. Form & Sculpt
Create miniature figures
and other garden accents
using clay and wood.
4. Refine Vessel
Elevate the planter
vessel by trimming the
form, carving, and
adding handles.
Glazes, Slips
& Finishing
1. Finish Styles
Experiment with eastern
design concepts like
wabi-sabi- yugen and
shibui.
2. Surface Techniques
Experiment with slips,
washes, and brushing.
3. Glazing Options
Learn about glossy glazes,
matte glazes, and ring
temperatures.
4. Refine Sculptures
Detail the sculptural
elements. Paint, glaze and
polish completed works.
Arrangement
& Reflection
1. Display Options
Use your vessel and explore
a variety of miniature
landscape options
including dryscapes and
zen gardens.
2. Final Assembly
Combine your vessel
with garden accents,
found materials and
vessel media.
3. Title & Reflect
Contemplate your
creation. Consider the
layers of meaning in your
creative landscape.
4.Group Sharing
Discuss symbolism,
inspiration, and creative
decisions.
Booking Options
Select 1 or more options on the form below.
1
August 2025
Monday Evening
5:15pm-8:30pm
Dates:
August 4, 11, 18, 25, and
September 1st.
2
September 2025
Monday Evening
5:15pm-8:30pm
Dates:
September 8, 15, 22, 29, and
October 6th.
3
October 2025
Monday Evening
5:15pm-8:30pm
Dates:
October 13, 20, 27,
November 3, and 10th.