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38A-2025 – Leah Leitson- Throwing and Altering – Porcelain without Borders
September 14 – 27 2025
Develop forms and ideas
Some experience is desirable
Introduction
Working with Porcelain opens new doors: the clay is whiter, and the glazes are brighter, and the smooth feel of porcelain is fun to explore.
Leah Leitson, potter, and educator has many years of experience making porcelain pots. With a love for form and elegance, her work is unique in design. In Porcelain without Borders we will make pieces that can be functional for everyday use as well as presentation pieces for special occasions.
Techniques taught
In our two-week session of Porcelain without Borders we will explore methods and practices involved in making altered pots using not only the wheel but also molds and slab construction. The course will focus on improving skills at individual levels and each student will be challenged to develop forms and ideas. Decoration techniques will include using colored slips, slip trailing and carving. In conclusion, basic glazing and gas firing in reduction atmosphere will round up the course.
Teaching method
The course will focus on throwing and altering techniques using the wheel as a tool to combine thrown and hand-built elements using hump and slump molds. If porcelain intimidates you, this class is geared to practices and forms that address some of the skills that help build confidence. Daily demonstrations will be interspersed with individual projects, allowing you to explore ideas. Discussions, demonstrations, and slide presentations will be key parts of the course.
Logistics
On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between standard lodging, single room and/or upgraded accommodation. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered. During the two weeks, there will be some inspirational fieldtrips that are included in the cost. The workshop is designed for the intermediate level.
About the Artist
Leah Leitson, an internationally recognized studio potter earned her BFA in ceramics from Alfred State College of Ceramics in New York and her MFA from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. From Louisiana, Leah’s education continued with residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana, Banff Center for the Arts in Alberta, Canada and Guldagargaard International Ceramics Research Center in Denmark. Widely respected as a maker and teacher of elegant functional ware in porcelain, Leah has led many workshops throughout the U.S., including Penland School of Crafts and Arrowmont School of Crafts. She has taught workshops in Italy and Israel. Leah Leitson teaches ceramics at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina. http://www.leahleitson.com
| Artist | Leah Leitson |
|---|---|
| Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique | Porcelain, Throwing |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Workshop fee (without lodging) | Euro 3280 |
| Deposit for booking | Euro 900 |
Lodging
The costs listed include both: the workshop fee and the lodging.
Standard accommodation in shared double room, at 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana – Final course cost: Euro 3720
Standard accommodation in single room, at 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana – Final course cost: Euro 4080
Upgraded accommodation in shared double room with air condition, at max. 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana : Final course cost Euro 4040
Upgraded accommodation in single room with air condition, at max. 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana: Final course cost: Euro 4440
Course without lodging Euro 3280
Payment and Refund Policy
A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.
Cancellations
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded. No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the Italian consumer legislation, in accordance with the EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of disputes, the competent court is Florence. If the workshop cannot be hold because of an insufficient number of students, the deposit will be fully reimbursed.
Force Majeure
Students must know that cancellations may occur due to events beyond our control (e.g. pandemic, civil disorder, medical or family issues of the instructor). In such case, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the workshop of choice.
Additional information
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.
