Workshop FAQ
THE WORKSHOP
Where will my workshop take place?
The workshop will take place in the Ceramics Area (RM K1003) of the Frostic School of Art on the campus of Western Michigan University. See Parking Map
What do I bring to my workshop?
We generally recommend bringing your preferred clay tools, especially those relevant to the workshop topic. Any additional tools beyond of our Recommended Tool List will be emailed a few weeks prior to the start of the workshop.
What is a typical schedule for the Summer Intensive Workshops?
First Day: We recommend that students arrive by 8:45am each day to allow time to navigate parking. At 9:00am, we will begin with introductions and review the workshop schedule.
Each Workshop Day:
- 8:00am-9:00am: Independent Open Studio
- 9:00am–Noon: Workshop Programming
- Noon-1:30pm: Lunch (campus meal plans are available)
- 1:30pm – 5:00pm: Workshop Programming
- 5:00pm – Midnight: Independent Open Studio
Saturday Field Trip: Each Summer Intensive Workshop includes an optional Saturday field trip to local galleries.
Final Exhibition: Each Summer Intensive Workshop concludes with an exhibition of finished or in-progress work, drawings, etc., produced during the workshop. Students are encouraged to invite guests, and a small reception will be held generally at 2:00pm.
Flying and want to ship your tools?
Anything that you would like to send ahead of you can be shipped to:
ATTN: Your Name c/o MCRC
1903 W Michigan Ave, 2110 RCVA
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
STUDIO USE
Can I work in the studio outside of allotted workshop hours?
Yes! Students have daily 8:00am-10:00pm studio access (24-hour studio access for enrolled WMU students)
What kind of clay will we use?
Clay and Glaze materials are included with the workshop unless otherwise noted. Students may bring their own clay if desired, with the understanding that firings will only take place within the workshop's temperature range.
I forgot my tools! Where can I buy tools?
West Michigan Clay, located in Grand Rapids, MI has a full line of ceramics tools.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
How do I register for a workshop?
What skill level do you recommend for workshop students?
Prior ceramics experience helps, but isn't required. Our workshops are open to “all levels” of students. Our instructors and support staff will work with students at beginning or above skill levels.
PAYMENT AND COST
Fees and Tuition:
Fees and tuition can be found at Registration Information
How do I pay for a workshop?
Payment for the Workshop is accepted through the MCRC Store. Debit or Credit cards only.
Is there a lab fee?
There are no lab fees; the advertised workshop cost is the total cost.
Will there be extra costs beyond the workshop price?
Unless otherwise noted, workshop materials (clay, glaze, plaster, etc.) are included. Students will need to provide their own ceramics tools.
Do you offer a workshop discount for students?
MCRC workshops are designed with students in mind. We have made every effort to keep workshop costs affordable while providing a fulfilling experience.
Do you offer Scholarships?
Currently, all scholarship opportunities are solely available to WMU students.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
Refunds require 7 days' notice of your intention to withdraw before the workshop starts.
The Gwen Frostic School of Art
The Gwen Frostic School of Art is one of four units in the College of Fine Arts and comprises 384 art majors, 24 full-time faculty, 12 part-time faculty, and 10 staff. The School is NASAD accredited and offers BAs in Art and Art History; BFAs in Art Education, Graphic Design and Art with emphasis in Ceramics, Metals/Jewelry, Painting, Photography/Intermedia, Printmedia, Kinetic Imaging and Sculpture. The School encompasses 40,000 sq. ft. of galleries, lecture halls, classrooms, design and art studios in the James W. and Lois I. Richmond Center for Visual Arts, and an additional 88,000 sq. ft. of classrooms and art studios in South Kohrman Hall.
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a vibrant, nationally recognized, student-centered research institution with an enrollment of 23,500. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has ranked WMU among 76 public institutions designated as research universities with high research activity. WMU delivers high-quality undergraduate instruction, has a strong graduate division, and greatly promotes funded research and creative scholarship.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a metropolitan area of 250,000 located in Southwest Michigan, about two (2) hours from Chicago and Detroit. Home to Kalamazoo's nationally recognized Western Michigan University (WMU), Kalamazoo is a city filled with energy and innovation. A vibrant downtown features quality dining, unique shops and galleries, and live entertainment. In Kalamazoo, you’re never far from lakes and outdoor recreation, or from one of over 20 breweries and distilleries.