Like many of you, we have been closely following the developments of COVID-19. The safety of our visitors, campers, staff, and volunteers is our top priority. Upon the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, the Gardiner Museum will close temporarily effective Saturday March 14, 2020. We will continue to take guidance from our public health officials regarding the duration of the closure and will post updates to our website and social media channels as they become available. We are grateful for your support and thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to navigate this challenging time. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardiner soon.
The starting dates of our Spring Clay Classes will be delayed. Rest assured that no cancellation penalties will go into effect before the revised dates have been announced. We are working to develop a new schedule as quickly as possible and appreciate your understanding.
The Gardiner Museum is among the few museums in the world focused on ceramics, and is one of the most important specialty museums internationally. It houses approximately 4,000 objects, including European porcelain, ceramics from the Ancient Americas, Chinese porcelain, Japanese porcelain, and contemporary ceramics. Search the collection online!
Support the Gardiner's mission to champion clay, build community, and promote arts education. All of our memberships include a full year of free admission to the Museum, as well as discounts at CLAY Restaurant and the Gardiner Shop, and start and at just $30!
Ian Symons is a ceramic artist who has been called “one of the most gifted colourists working in Canada today.”
He studied painting and ceramics, receiving a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), and an MFA from Alfred State University.
Ian has taught at Ohio State University, Penland School of Crafts, Sheridan College, and George Brown College. He has exhibited in Canada and internationally, including shows at Canada House Gallery (London, England), Prime Gallery (Toronto), The Clay Studio (Philadelphia), and Nancy Margolis (New York City). His work can also be found in several published catalogues and at the Museum of Civilization, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and the Gardiner Museum. Ian has received grants and awards in national and international shows.
One of the early leaders in the use of contemporary earthenware, he has a notable understanding and ability with clay. Ian is known for his striking forms and nuanced surfaces. His painted hand-built pottery draws influences from history yet is intensely personal. Using layered glazes and drawing, he addresses how surface interacts with form. Ian uses pottery forms, rich glazes, and fine drawings to entice one to touch the work and turn it to see how the form and decoration evolve.
Students will explore decorating techniques including slipwork, sgraffito, mishima (inlay), carving, sprigging, cuerda seca, stenciling, resist, and image transfer.
Students will explore decorating techniques including slipwork, sgraffito, mishima (inlay), carving, sprigging, cuerda seca, stenciling, resist, and image transfer....
Instructor: Ian Symons
Create beautiful planters for your home, including succulent logs, cacti planters, orchid pots, and herb planters. Bring your own designs or take inspiration from the images provided by your instructor.
Create beautiful planters for your home, including succulent logs, cacti planters, orchid pots, and herb planters. Bring your own designs or take inspiration from the images provided by your instructor....