Seize the Clay Ceramics Workshop at MOCA

New!! Seize the Clay is now the first four Saturdays of the month!!

Develop your hand-building and glazing skills in this recurring ceramics class for artists of all experience levels. Low-fire clay, tools, and basic glaze options are provided. Students may also register for BYO Clay & Tools for independent work, which includes access to throwing wheels.

Ticket Types:

• General Admission: Includes instructor-led hand-building projects, materials, and one kiln firing.
• Glaze Only: Includes instructor support, glaze materials, and one kiln firing.
• BYO Clay & Tools: Materials not provided. Includes workshop access, use of throwing wheels, and one kiln firing.

Due to the ceramic process, all pieces made in class must fully dry before being bisque fired in our kiln. To glaze a piece after it has been bisque fired, students must register for a second class. Glazing is optional, pieces may also be painted or glazed at home. Please note, glazing is required for making ceramic pieces food and drink safe.

Each class includes one kiln firing for a small piece made during the workshop, either a bisque firing or a final firing.

Students may contact the museum to pick up their work no earlier than one week after their class.

Register for beginner wheel-throwing classes at MOCA>>

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Reed Harper is a ceramic artist currently pursuing a master’s degree in Materials Science at the University of North Florida. His practice is rooted in experimentation, serving as a creative outlet to explore form, material, and cultural influence.

Reed began working with clay four years ago under the mentorship of Stephen Heywood and Trevor Dunn in UNF’s ceramics studio. Since then, he has embraced a wide range of making methods, including wheel throwing and hand-building, along with atmospheric firing techniques like wood and soda firing.

His aesthetic has evolved into a thoughtful blend of global pottery traditions, drawing influence from American Carolina-style bootlegging jugs, Korean Silla Dynasty pedestal bowls, and German salt-fired wares.

For Reed, ceramics is about more than just objects—it’s about process, connection, and community. He finds fulfillment in teaching and encouraging others to explore clay as a medium for creative expression, self-reflection, and cultural appreciation. He values the shared growth that comes from working alongside others in the studio, learning together not only as artists, but as people.

Currently, Reed balances his time as a lab assistant, graduate student, and line cook, while continuously developing his body of work in ceramics.

Takes place from 2-4 p.m. | Geared to an adult audience, but open to teens in the company of an adult. | Supplies Included

MOCA Members $20* | UNF Students, Faculty, and Staff $20 | Non-Members $30

If you would like to claim the MOCA Member discount, and additional perks such as complimentary parking and invites to exclusive events, become a MOCA Member today!

*The MOCA Member price does not include NARM and SEMC reciprocal members. Reciprocal members receive free general admission at MOCA Jacksonville.

Questions? Contact mocaeducation@unf.edu. If you need to speak to someone on the day of the event, please call the museum front desk at (904) 620-1214.

REGISTER FOR OPEN STUDIO >>

MOCA's Ceramics Open Studio is for ceramicists looking for a place to create and connect with peers. Ceramics Open Studio hours take place in a MOCA workshop equipped with throwing wheels and a range of tools available to students. Work during these hours is self-directed and all clay and glaze should be brought by the student. Registration includes 1 kiln firing for a single piece under 10lbs. At this time only low fire clay and glaze can be fired in MOCA’s kilns.