by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Adults can get in on summer arts and crafts fun at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Student Center Craft Shop is offering a full slate of adult craft workshops in addition to the full lineup of children and youth camps there and across campus.
The shop, located in the lower level of the Student Center, will be closed from May 9 to 25 — but after it reopens at noon on May 26, the creative good times begin! Nine unique activities are on tap this summer. Most are one-day workshops but some last for multiple days to allow ample time to complete projects. Prices vary, and SIU students receive a discount.
Choices galore
Diversity is the name of the game, giving people a chance to learn and experience new things or to hone their skills. All crafts are for ages 16 and older unless otherwise specified. The cost of each is $35 for the public or $30 for SIU students, unless otherwise noted. The schedule includes:
- Coil-built bud vase – May 29, 2-4 p.m. Make a coil-built bud vase that’s just right for displaying short-stemmed flowers. This workshop is perfect for a Mother’s Day gift and great for beginners. All ages are welcome. Included are instruction and all materials – 2.5 pounds of clay, slips, glazes and firings.
- Fused glass soap dish – June 4, 2-4 p.m. Learn the basics of cutting, layering and melting fused glass to create a one-of-a-kind glass sheet which will be slumped into a soap dish mold. Crafters will need to return about a week later to pick up the fired, finished product. Cost covers two kiln firings, kiln paper and lesson; glass is extra and available for purchase at shop.
- Mosaic garden stone – June 11, 1:30-4 p.m. Cut and shape glass, mortar it to a concrete stone to create your personalized garden decoration. Participants will need to return later to rout or finish grouting at home.
- Adult clay camp – June 15-18, 1-4 p.m. In this four-day workshop, participants will design their own place setting for a dinner party – either sculptural or functional. Along the way, they’ll learn various techniques including wheel throwing, slab, coil, pinch and slump molds, as well as assorted surface decorating concepts. All experience levels are welcome. Cost is $170 for community members or $160 for students and includes 25 pounds of clay, all slips, glazes and underglazes, firings and lessons. Participants are encouraged to bring a sketch book for planning and designing, and should plan to return about two weeks later to glaze, or to pick up items the staff has glazed for them.
- Wheel-thrown pottery, two sessions – June 26, 2-11 a.m. and July 2, 1:30-4 p.m. Each distinct workshop features instruction in throwing clay to make pottery, from start to finish as participants will use the pottery wheel to create a cup. Choose the glaze and staff will take care of it. It’s just the thing for beginners or experienced crafters who want a refresher. All materials are included.
- Fused glass jewelry – June 29, 2-4 p.m. Cut, layer and melt fused glass to create fused glass earrings and pendants. Cost is $25 for community members or $20 for students and covers kiln firing, jewelry wire and fittings, and instruction — glass is extra and available for purchase onsite. A return visit is necessary to pick up finished product after firing.
- Patterned slab-built tray – July 24, 2-4 p.m. Learn to use pottery forms to craft a slab-built tray. Participants will use a textured rolling pin to embellish the trays with a personalized pattern, add decorations and color with underglaze. All materials, including clay, slips, glazes and firings are included, and crafters will return about two weeks later to pick up completed projects.
- Adult fibers camp – July 26-31, 1-4 p.m. Round out the summer with a five-day camp and explore a different dyeing process daily. Create a series of fabric samples and one large piece using a combination of technical skills. Techniques include indigo shibori, block printing, batik, screen printing, and more if time allows. Cost is $190 for the public or $180 for students, which covers all materials. All skill levels are welcome. Participants may want to bring a sketch pad to help with designs and are welcome to bring extra fabric – natural fiber yardage or used clothing – for dyeing and block printing.
Registration underway
Sign up now for the summer workshops. Find registration and additional information online. Or, call the Craft Shop at 618-453-3636.
The shop also offers private arts and crafts lessons as well as group or part sessions. Visit the website or email craftshop@siu.edu for more information.
The summer hours at the Craft Shop are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; walk-in crafting or use of the ceramics studio is available. The woodshop is closed during the summer session, which runs through Aug. 11.