Flower Bricks with Joan Bruneau

Dates: November 6, 7 and 8, 2026

Public Artist Talk: Friday, November 6, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Time: 10:00AM - 5:00 PM

Format: Three day hands-on wheel throwing & handbuilding workshop

Location: 300 Campbell Avenue, Unit 115, Toronto, ON

Participants: 18

Cost:

• $500 FUSION and Parkdale Pottery Members
• $650 General Public (includes artist talk)

These workshops are presented in partnership with Fusion Clay & Glass. 

Workshop Description: 

Build on your wheel-throwing and handbuilding skills in this focused three-day workshop exploring flower brick forms. Working with thrown and altered cylindrical shapes, participants will learn how to design, throw, and assemble flower bricks.

This workshop is process-driven rather than product-focused. You’ll develop multiple test forms, explore oval and square bodies, and refine lid systems and feet through a series of demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on making. Included in this workshop is admission to Joan's artist talk on Friday evening.

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advanced wheel throwing experience required.

What You’ll Learn

• Throwing bottomless cylinders with galleries for drop-in lids
• Measuring for precise lid fit using calipers at the wet stage
• Altering thrown forms into oval and square bodies
• Designing and assembling slab bottoms and foot rings
• Throwing and fitting flanges and lids
• Understanding composition and function in flower bricks and lidded forms

Materials & Equipment Clay

• Cone 6 Mid Red Throwing Clay, no grog
• Each participant will have access to a wheel, work table, banding wheel or lazy susan, and 6 to 8 batts. 

Recommended Tools

Throwing tools, calipers, ruler, apron, towel, sharp fettling knife, X-Acto knife, sketchpad and pen.

Workshop Structure

• Day 1 focuses on galleries, drop-in lids, and beginning flower brick bodies. Artist Talk from 7-8:30 PM
• Day 2 covers altering forms, assembling bodies, feet, flanges, and lid systems.
• Day 3 is dedicated to building and assembling lids.

Recommended Reading

• A Potter’s Workbook – Clary Illian
• Mastering the Art of Throwing – Ben Carter
• An Illustrated Dictionary of Ceramics – George Savage & Harold Newman
• Ceramics – Philip Rawson
• Ceramic Art and Civilization – Paul Greenhalgh 

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced throwers looking to deepen their understanding of complex forms, precision fitting, and thoughtful ceramic design. 

Pieces are not fired in this class but arrangements may be possible by speaking with Parkdale Pottery. 

Fees for programs cannot be refunded. If you need help or accommodations, please get in touch so we can work together to support you.