How to: “Frozen Pond” Wheel-Thrown Plates (Beginner-Friendly) with Rachel Mulcahy

Ceramic artist Rachel Mulcahy will guide students through both the technical and creative aspects of making and finishing functional pottery.

Plate-Throwing Intensive

Learn the fundamentals of throwing plates on the potter’s wheel, focusing on techniques to prevent common challenges such as uneven rims, warping, and cracking. Rachel will demonstrate multiple approaches to plate making, allowing participants to discover the methods that feel most comfortable and successful for their individual skill levels. This session is designed to build confidence and strengthen wheel-throwing skills, making it ideal for beginners while also offering valuable tips for more experienced potters.

The “Frozen Pond” Glaze Technique

Transform your freshly thrown plates with a stunning layered glazing process inspired by the colors and movement of winter ice. Rachel will demonstrate the popular “Frozen Pond” glazing technique, including glaze application, layering, and surface effects that create depth, variation, and a unique sense of atmosphere. Participants will glaze their own plates and learn how thoughtful glaze combinations can elevate functional ceramics into expressive works of art.

This class is suitable for beginners as well as those with some wheel-throwing experience who would like to strengthen their skills

Discover the joy of working with clay and unleash your creativity in our welcoming studio space! Materials included.

Rachel Mulcahy is a ceramic artist from Dennis, Massachusetts, with a BFA in Art Education from Syracuse University and an MFA in Ceramics from the University of Massachusetts. Rachel has been teaching ceramics at CCMoA for four years and has also taught ceramics at a local private high school and at the university level. Through her guidance, students of all ages have discovered the joys of working with clay.

Please park in the back of the museum—take the 2nd driveway off of Hope Lane. You will enter the building through the pottery studio in the back.

Cancellation policy: CCMoA must be notified 1 week prior for refund.