Course Overview

This course will take students through the process of learning relief carving techniques and how to apply this method to their own functional pottery and handbuilt sculptures. Students will practice carving by producing small tiles and sculptures in order to deepen their understanding of composition, design and pattern.

Students can expect to complete four or five small-sized (4 x 6 inch) tiles plus one or two smaller sculptural works (6 inches tall). Additionally, students will learn how to add volume to their work, use a spray booth to apply glaze and inlay glaze. Some goals for the course are surprising yourself, maximizing individual expression, and not being too attached to a final product. Open to intermediate and advanced students.

Classes meet once a week for 2.5 hours in the AMOCA Ceramics Studio for six weeks (15 hours of total instruction), and are limited in size to twelve students. Access to open studio hours is included for the duration of the class and one week following.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

Course Policies

Refunds are not allowed after the course begins. Refunds requested during the week prior to the start of the class will be honored at 50%. Refunds requested prior to this will be honored minus Humanitix fees. If you would like to request a refund, email studio@amoca.org.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

AMOCA follows current Los Angeles County COVID guidelines. We encourage you to keep up to date on vaccines, wear a mask if you'd like to, and stay healthy!

Please familiarize yourself with our Studio Etiquette and Conduct policies. Creativity thrives in a positive and respectful environment.

Your Instructor

Kristy Moreno

Kristy Moreno received her Associates in Arts from Santa Ana College in Santa Ana, CA and her BFA in ceramics from California State University, Chico in Chico, CA. Moreno’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, CA; Glassell Gallery in Baton Rouge, LA; Lucy Lacoste Gallery in Concord, MA; Volery Gallery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and at Thinkspace Projects and Tlaloc Studios in Los Angeles, CA. Her work has been featured in publications including Voyage LA, Las Vegas Weekly, Beautiful Bizarre, and Artfix Daily. Moreno is the recipient of various awards and residencies including the Taunt Fellowship, the Windgate-Lamar Fellowship, and the Jack Winsor Memorial Scholarship. Moreno will be in residence at AMOCA from October 2025–March 2026.

Studio etiquette

Open studio:

Students are encouraged to come in on their own time to work on their projects during Open Studio hours (posted online and in the classroom). Entry to studio outside of Open Studio hours will be disabled via entry system.

Studio Artists:

Our Studio Artists and Artists in Residence occupy private spaces. Please be respectful of their personal space and please do not interrupt them while they are working.

Cleaning:

Please be sure to clean up the area you are working in, including:

Handbuilding tables - wipe down after use

Slab roller - always use canvas

Glaze area - wipe down any spills, countertops, and buckets

Studio tools - clean before putting back in drawer

Noise:

All cell phone conversations are to be taken outside. When listening to music or podcasts please only use headphones! It is important to not assume others want to listen to your tunes.

Storage:

There is shelving provided for each class in the classroom. This can be used for the duration of the class; however, once class is over these shelves must be cleared. Anything left behind after the two week grace period concludes will be assumed abandoned and then discarded.

Clay:

All clay must be purchased through our studio; no outside clay will be fired. If there is a cone 10 clay body you like from Laguna Clay that we don’t have in stock please let us know and we can order some for you.

Conduct:

Creativity thrives in a respectful environment. Treat others with kindness and courtesy so our experiences in the Studio will be creative and productive. Be mindful of our shared space and keep conversation topics light. AMOCA adheres to all applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination and harassment laws and regulations. Harassment, discrimination, or other behavior that creates a hostile atmosphere will not be tolerated.

If you have concerns about someone’s behavior, please bring them to our attention, and we will handle it according to our guidelines.

Those who violate our Conduct policy may be asked to leave class or studio spaces; tickets, rent, or other fees may not be refunded.

Map of AMOCA Parking Lot

Map of AMOCA Parking Lot

AMOCA Ceramics Studio entrance

AMOCA Ceramics Studio entrance

Contact the host of What A Relief: Int/Adv. Hand Building (Sundays w/Kristy, Fall 2026)