Clay Guardians with Matt Whiting
Date: Saturday 30th August 2025, 11:30-2:30pm (drop in)
FREE
A Hands-On Clay Workshop Celebrating Inclusion, Diversity & Community
Join ceramic artist Matt Whiting for a drop-in style, hands-on clay workshop where creativity meets community spirit. Inspired by Matt’s whimsical ceramic “Blobs,” (featured in the Open in 2023) this session invites participants of all ages and abilities to craft their own Clay Guardian—a unique figure rooted in the tradition of potters making guardians for their kilns.
What to Expect
In this relaxed, welcoming environment, you’ll learn:
How to make a pinch pot and coil
Techniques for securely joining clay
Ways to decorate your creation using simple tools and your imagination
From a shared starting point, each guardian will evolve into something entirely personal—be it a person, animal, monster, or abstract form. The result? A joyful celebration of diversity, commonality, and creativity.
Materials & Takeaway
All tools and professional-quality air-dry clay provided
No firing needed—take your guardian home to dry and decorate
Printed inspiration sheets and physical examples available
Who Can Join?
Absolutely everyone! Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned maker, this workshop is designed to be accessible, fun, and meaningful. It’s a great way to connect with local ceramic heritage and spark conversations across generations and backgrounds.
Artist Biog: Matt Whiting is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and maker currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Ceramics at the University of Staffordshire. Alongside their studies, they work as a freelance artist, designer, and maker. Their passion for clay began around five years ago during a foundation degree, though their interest in art spans a lifetime, with a background in drawing and painting.
From 2022 to 2024, they worked at a ceramic studio where they discovered a love for teaching. During this time, they led numerous throwing and hand building workshops and courses, both on-site and off-site. They now continue to teach freelance art workshops while completing their postgraduate studies.
FREE EVENT. No booking required just drop in. Suitable for all ages.
Parking & access: lots of on street parking in the streets outside of the venue, also small P&D car park to the rear of Fenton Town Hall. The main entrance has steps, there is a side door with flat entrance accessed by a push button door, and access to a lift to the Ballroom.
Event date
30 August 2025
Event Time
11:30AM
Location
Fenton Town Hall, Ballroom, Albert Square, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 3AJ
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