The Wheel Throwing Ceramics course begin its nine-week program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
The purpose of this course is to introduce, or reintroduce, the students to the art of making pottery on a potter’s wheel.
Wheel throwing ceramics emphasizes various fundamentals to the art, along with wheel technique, form, glazing and decorating.
The course is open to beginners and advanced students, as well as students that are not art majors.
Hand builders are also welcome to join.
Cassie Walsh, a freshman biology major, is currently enrolled in the course this semester at UW-Platteville.
“I took a course like this in high school, and I really enjoyed it. I love doing this, and it’s a lot of fun,” Walsh said.
Walsh insisted that, for her, this class has been a very helpful stress-reliever this semester.
Throughout high school, Walsh practiced the art of throwing pottery for two years and wanted to continue throwing pottery in college.
“My favorite thing to throw is unique vases,” Walsh stated.
Erin Wesseles, a sophomore art education major, mentioned that her favorite aspect of the course is the ability to create large sculptures and garden figurines.
“Bruce [Howdle], our instructor, is a really great teacher. I had him as a teacher before and wanted to have another class with him,” Wesseles said.
According to Wesseles, Howdle ensures that the students remain on task within the classroom environment, but they are allowed to work at their own pace.
Bruce Howdle, the instructor of the course, encourages his students to promote themselves throughout their artwork.
“I love art. I want to educate people about art because I don’t only feel that it’s important to me but others, as well,” Howdle said. “I let the students have freedom so there is a creative environment to work in. I like to guide the students into their own path.”
Howdle previously taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an art instructor, but he began teaching at UW-Platteville in 2005.
“I like my students to have a good work ethic. Participation is key to having a good grade. I encourage out-of-class work,” Howdle said.
