Quick-Dry Clay: Historical and Contemporary Forms

with Mahnaz Moghaddasi

• Dates: Saturdays, March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4) 2026
• Time: 2:00PM - 5:00PM
• Cost:  $150
• Venue: Maplewood House (399 Seymour River Pl, North Vancouver)
• Age: 15+

About

Clay is one of humanity’s oldest materials. Long before kilns, glazes, or industrial tools, people shaped earth into functional and symbolic objects with care, intention, and imagination. This course invites participants to step into that long lineage while exploring how clay continues to evolve in contemporary practice.

Designed as an accessible, hands on introduction to ceramics through quick-dry clay, this four week workshop balances historical reference with playful experimentation. Participants will work through a series of guided projects that move from ancient ceramic forms to modern and experimental approaches, emphasizing curiosity, material understanding, and personal interpretation over technical perfection.

The course is led by Mahnaz Moghaddasi, a ceramic artist and conservator with a Master’s in Conservation and Restoration. She works at Centennial Museum, where she focuses on preserving historical objects, including ceramics. Drawing on her professional experience and knowledge of cultural heritage, Mahnaz introduces participants to historical and contemporary ceramic works, providing context and inspiration for each project. She also has experience teaching ceramics and conservation workshops, combining practical making skills with insight into the preservation and evolution of ceramic forms.

What to Expect

• Short visual presentations
• Four guided clay projects
• Hands-on demonstrations
  
  

What You’ll Create & Take Home

Four finished quick-dry clay works

Who This Course Is For

• Beginners curious about clay and ceramics. No prior experience required
  
  

What You’ll Gain

• Hand-building techniques using air-dry clay
• Understanding of historical and contemporary ceramic forms
• Surface design through texture, relief, and layering
• Insight into ceramic conservation and how historical objects are preserved

What You need to bring

• All materials are provided. You’re welcome to bring personal tools or reference images if you’d like, but everything needed to participate will be supplied.

Member Discount

15% discount for North Van Arts Members.

Become a member and unlock a world of benefits! As part of your membership, you’ll enjoy a 15% discount on select Arts Education Adult & Youth classes and workshops.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Membership: Become a member of North Van Arts to access exclusive perks.
2. Discount Code: Call us at 604-988-6844 to receive your unique discount code.
3. Redeem Discount: Remember, you must be a member before receiving the discount. Once you have your code, simply follow these steps to apply the 15% off:
   • Browse the available Adult & Youth classes and workshops.
   • During the checkout process, you’ll find a field to enter your coupon code. Enter the code and apply it.
   • Your 15% discount will be automatically calculated and reflected in your total purchase amount.

Ready to enhance your artistic journey? Join today and take advantage of this incredible offer.


Registration closes at midnight on the Wednesday before the first session begins.