Independent Study of Ceramics


Ceramics Independent Study with Sarah DeBaun | Open Studio Days/Times Vary | 10 weeks; Tuesday, August 25–Tuesday, October 27

Independent Study is available to a limited number of advanced students who have completed at least four ceramics classes at the CMA and do not require direct instruction. Ages 18+

Member $130 | $155 10 seats available


Independent Study Terms:

Studio Access: Your tuition covers access to the studio during open hours (fluctuating between 70–100 hours/month on average), a storage locker, use of studio equipment, and mentorship from a professional teaching artist during set times.

Hours & Availability: Open studio time runs concurrently with the museum's seasonal class schedule. Access is limited to the dates listed above; studio time is unavailable outside these dates or when classes are not in session.

Requirements: Students are required to assist in maintaining the studio space. Due to specific equipment and safety procedures, this program is restricted to students who have completed their prerequisites at the CMA; experience from other institutions does not qualify.

Support: Please direct class-related questions to your supervising instructor, Sarah DeBaun. For non-class inquiries, please contact the CMA Education Director, Amanda Crowe amanda@cantonart.org. Important Information for All Ceramics Students

Clay Policy: All ceramics students at CMA are strictly required to purchase and use approved clay directly from the museum, with absolutely no exceptions. Because different clay bodies fire at varying temperatures, they cannot be reconstituted or mixed together. During check-in at the front desk on the first day of class, 25 lbs of clay can be purchased for $54. Although more clay can be bought afterward, there is a strict limit of 50 lbs of clay per session to manage the volume of student work produced.

Hours & Availability: Open studio time runs concurrently with the museum's seasonal class schedule. Access is limited to the dates listed above; studio time is unavailable outside these dates or when classes are not in session.

Tools: While students at CMA are welcome to bring and use their own clay tools, tool kits are also available for purchase starting on the first day of class for $15, while supplies last throughout each session.

Usage Restrictions: Our studio is a teaching facility designed for developing personal artistic style and technique; it is not a production lab for mass-market goods. Therefore, kiln use is strictly reserved for supporting your personal creative practice, and the production of items for commercial sale or mass distribution is prohibited.

Size Limitations: Please consult with your instructor regarding size restrictions. Because our kiln capacity is limited, we must prioritize efficient loading to serve all students. Oversized pieces take up disproportionate space and can crowd out work from others, disrupting our firing queue. By keeping projects within recommended dimensions, you help us maximize our kiln’s capacity, ensure efficient firing cycles, and provide timely results for the entire class.

Canton Ceramic Artists Guild (CCAG): The CCAG affiliate group partners with the Education Director and the Ceramics Studio Production Manager to maintain our studio environment. Members provide instruction, oversee studio assistants via a volunteer technician, and curate our glaze inventory using raw chemical supplies. In exchange for firing privileges and dedicated open studio time, CCAG members assist with operations and participate in annual museum events, where they sell their wares and educate the community on the art of ceramics.