For the last five years, Hamilton Williams has taught part time in the Professional Crafts: Clay program at Western Piedmont Community College. The Professional Craft curriculum is designed to teach the skills of pottery-making and business to students so that they may go on to become professional potters, part-time potters, pottery assistants, or continue their education at a four-year school.

The following is text from some promotional material that Hamilton wrote for the program:

"Recognizing the growing significance and value of art and craft to the economy of western North Carolina, Western Piedmont Community College, in Morganton, NC, has created a Professional Crafts curriculum. This unique program was developed not only to teach artistic and technical skills in pottery and ceramics but also to provide entrepreneurial instruction that will assist in the development, operation, and marketing of a professional craft studio.

The course work in the Professional Crafts: Clay Program begins by helping students develop basic knowledge and skills needed to create clay objects with emphasis on hands-on training. Studio courses provide a firm foundation in technique, while design and craft history classes offer an overall perspective to the craft experience. Intermediate and advanced courses include glaze formulation, kiln constrution, independent studio, advanced throwing skills, and production pottery. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree that can be completed in two years as a full-time student. Shorter Diploma and Certificate Programs are also available. The curriculum programs are offered as daytime and evening classes at the main campus of Western Piedmont Community College.

The Professional Crafts: Clay studio is well-equipped with gas and electric kilns, a raku kiln, slab roller, clay mixer, pug mill, manual and electric potters wheels, glaze studio, and glaze spray booth.

Along with course work, additional learning experiences can be gained by participation in the Professional Crafts Club, a student organization that enhances the educational mission of the Professional Craft curriculum, prepares students for craft careers, and fosters appreciation of fine craft in the community. Professional Crafts Club members can participate in workshops, visit regional craft centers and studios, and organize marketing opportunities such as craft fairs and sales."

For additional information about the program, click here.

Proposed Curriculum

First Year, Fall
PCC 110 Introduction to Pottery
PCC 112 History of Pottery
ENG 111 Expository Writing
ART 121 Design I
Spring
PCC 111 Functional Pottery I
PCC 113 Contemporary Pottery
ART 122 Design II
ART 131 Drawing I
ENG 114 Professional Research &
Reporting
Summer
CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
PCC 231 Pottery Production: Sets
Social/Behavioral Science Elective
Second Year, Fall
PCC 210 Functional Pottery II
PCC 117 Glaze Testing
PCR 212 Craft Marketing
ART 114 Art History I
PCC Elective
Spring
PCC 211 Decorative Pottery
PCC 241 Kiln Design
MAT/Science Elective
PCC Elective